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BIOGRAPHICfAL MEMOIRS 

OF THE 

ILLUSTRIOUS 



JL 



^ cFeneral (Peorge cpasftington, 

VlaTE president of the unit ED STATES 0¥ 
H AMERICA, 

Jk ^ AND 

\'€9mmander in Chief of their Armies, during the 



\* 



Revolutionary War. 



Dedicated to the Youth of Artierica. 




FORI. C©OKE & CO. BOOK'SELLERS, 41. HAVEN, 

^ :181©. 1C73 




i5)©©6O©0©©©e)a6©©0©©o©©©a©©©a©©©©» 

BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 



OF 



General dPeorge aBaiijmgton. 



IN the hlilory of Man, we contemplate, 
with particular fatisfadion, thofe legiflators, 
heroes, and philofophers, whofe "wifdoni, va- 
lour, and virtue have contributed to the happi- 
nefs of the human fpecies. We trace the lumin- 
ous progress of thofe excellent beings with fecret 
complacency ; our emulation is roufed, while 
we behold them fteadily purfue the path of rec- 
litude, in defiance of every obftiudion ; we re- 
joice that we were of the fame fpecies, and thus;> 
Self— love becomes the hand-maid of Virtue. 

The authentic pages of Biography unite tlie 
moft grateful amufement with inftrudion. — 
Truth fupports the dignity of the Hii^nric Mufe 
who will not admit of either fulfome p^tnegyric, 
or invidious cenfure. She defcribes her hero 
with genuine fimplicity — mentions his frailties, 
his charaderiftic peculiarities, and his fhining 
qualities. In {hort, fhe gives a faithful and 
lively portraitof the man,inveftigatesthelaten*. 
A2 



( 6 ) ] 

motives of his a(5Hons, and celebrates thofe vir- ' 

tues which have raifed him to an enviable pre- j 

eminence above his cotemporaries. t| 

V/e lympathize in the fuflFerings, and parti.. ^ 

cipate xhe iriumphs of thofe illuftrious men wh» '^ 
ftand 

" Majeftic 'mid the monuments of Time ;" 

and the approbation of exeellenc« in others, na- j 

turally leads the mind toimitate the objeft of its i 

.adoration. ^ 

Among thofe patriots who have a claim to \ 

our veneration, George Waftiington appears In \ 

aconfpicuous placein thefirftrank, Theanceft- i 

ors of this extraordinary man, in the year 1657» j 
emigrated from England to Amer ica, and fettled 

in the colony of Virginia ; here, by unremiting \ 

induftry they became opulent and refpedable, \ 

and gave their name to the parifh of Wafliing- J 

ton, in Weftmoreland county.— George Wafli- \ 

ington, the hero of the following hiftory, was i 

the fruit of a fecond marriage, and was born in * 

the fettlement of Chotank, in the above-mention- j 

ed county, on the 1 1th of Febuary,(0,S.) 1732. ^ 

The e -^tenfive fettlement of Chotank was ori- • 
ginally purchafed by the Waftiington family ; \ 
the extreme fertility of the foil induced thofe fet^ { 
tiers to cultivate tobacco infeveral plantations; 
for this purpofe they purchafed a number of ne- 
gro l|ave§; and, confequently population was ; 



{ 7 ) 

rapidly increafed. At the time our hero was 
bom, all the planters throughout this extenfive 
fettlement were his relations — hence, his youth- 
ful years glided away in all the pleafing gaiety 
of focial friendftiip. He received a private ed- 
ucation, and was initiated in the elements of 
Religion, Morality, and Science by a private 
tutor ; and, from the tenor of his adions it is 
manifeft, that uncommon pains were taken to 
cherifti the beft propenfities of human nature in 
his heart : 

In the 10th year of his age, he had the misfor- 
tune to lofe an excellent father, who dieiln 1742, 
and the patrimonial eftate devolved to an elder 
brother. — This yoi/hg gentleman had been an 
officer, in the Colonial troops fent in the expedi- 
tion againft Cartliagena. On his return he call- 
ed the family manfion Mount Vernon, in honour 
of the Britifh Admiral, and deftinedhis brother 
George to ferve in the navy. 

Accordingly, in his 1 5th year, our hero was 
entered as a midfliipman, on board a Britifh fri- 
gate, ftationed on thecoaft of Virginia. He pre- 
pared to embark, with all the alacrity of youth ; 
but his nautical career was (lopped by tlie in- 
terpofition of maternal love. Ever obedient to 
an affectionate mother, young Wafliington relin- 
quifhed his defire of going to fea ; the energies 
of his mind were to be exerted on a more ftabk 
element. 



( 8 ) j 

As his patrimonial eftate was by no means 1 
^onfiderable, his youth was employed in ufeful ^ 
induftry ; and in the pradice of his profeffionas \ 
a fiirveyor, he had an opportunity of acquiring ] 

at information refpe^ing vacant lands, and of 1 
iormlng thofe opinions concerning their future. 
value, which, afterwards, greatly contributed to | 
the increafeofhis piivate fortune, i 

The firft proof that he gave of his propenfity ■ 
to arrns was in the year 1751 » when the office i 
of Adjutant-General of the Virginia militia be- 
came vacant by the death of his brother, and :] 
Mount Vernon, together with a large eftate, 1 
came into his poffeffion. At this time, the ex-Hi 
tenfive population of the colony made it expedi- ) 
ent to form the militia corps into three divifions, i 
and Wafliinton, in his 20th >,gai, was appoint- ■ 
ed Major. He attended to his duty, as an olH- ; 
cer, with exemplary propriety and vigilance — \ 
was indefatigable in the dicipline of the troops * 
—and generally beloved, both by his brother'] 
officers and the private men, for bis mildncfs 
and generofity. j 

In the year 1753, the incroachments of th? ! 
French upon the weftern boundaries of the Brit- \ 
ifti Colonies excited a general alarm in Virgin- '^ 
ra, infomuch that Govenor Dinwiddi deputed^ 
Wafhington to afcertain the truth of thofe lu-'j 
Riours : he was alfp empowered to enter into z^i 



( 9 ) 

treaty with the Indians, and remonftrate witk 
the French upon their proceedings. On his ar- 
rival at the back fettlements, he found the Colo- 
nifts in a very unpleafant fituation, from the de- 
predations of the Indians, who were inccefT. 
antly inftigated by the French to the commiffion 
of new aggreffions. He foi^nd that the Fiench 
themfelves had alfo committed feveral outrages 
againft the defencelefs fettlers ; nay, that they 
had proceeded fo far as to eftablifli pofts within 
the boundaries of Virginia. Walhington ftrongly 
remonftrated againft thofe a<5i:s of hoftility, and 
warned the French to defift from the incurfions. 
On his return, his report to the Govenor was 
publiftied, and it evinced that he performed this 
honourable miflion with great prudence. 

The repeated inroads of the French and In- 
dians on the frontiers of Virginia, made it ne- 
cefTary to encreafe the military eftablifhment | 
and early in the fpring of 1754, a new regiment 
was raifed, of which ProfefFor Fry, of the college 
was appointed Col. and Walhington lieutenant- 
colonel. Mr. Fry died foon after the regiment 
was embodied, and was fueceeded by our hero, 
»vho paid unremitting attention to the difcipline 
of this new corps. He eftablifhed magazines d£ 
provifion and ammunition, and opened the roads 
to the frontiers in order to pre-occupy an impoi- 
|ant poft at the confluence of the Monongabels 



( w ) 

and Alleghany rivers. His regiment was t» 
•have been reinforced by a detachment from the 
ibuthern colonies, and a corps of provincials from 
North Carolina and Maryland ; but impelled by 
the urgency of the occafion, he advanced without 
the expeded fuccours in the month of May. The 
troops proceeded by forced marches towards the 
defile, and their commander difpatched two 
fcouts to reconnoitre ; but though his rapid 
march was facilitated by the fine weather, yet, 
when he afcended the JLauril Hills, fifty miles 
diftant from the place of deftination, he was met 
Jjjy his fcouts who returned with intelligence, 
ihat the enemy were in pofleffion of the poft, had 
built a fort, and ftationed a large garrifon there. 
Wafiiington now held a council of war with 
the other officers, but while they were delibera- 
ting a detachment of the French came in fight, 
and obliged them to retreat to a favanna called 
xhe .Gre<to Meadows. 

The fortitude of Wafliington was put to a fe- 
vere teft on this occafion, he retired with the 
troops to an eminence in the favanna, and about 
noon began to eredt a fmall fortification. He 
called his temporary defence Fort Neceffity, and 
encouraged the regiment both by his voice and 
example, to raife a redoubt on which they plant- 
ed two field pieces. They furrounded the camp 
^l»5rith an entrenchment in which tliey toiled vrlth 



C 11 ) 

trni'emittmg exertions during the fubfequent 
night. Thus fortified, they prepared to refift 
the meditated attack of the enemy ; and about 
funrife, on the following morning, were joined 
by Capt. M* Kay, with a company of regulars. 
The little atmy now amounted to about 400 
men. On the approach of the advanced guard 
of the French, the Americans fallied forth, at- 
tacked and defeated them ; but the main body 
of the enemy, amounting to 1500 men, com- 
pelled them to retire to the intrenchments. — 
The camp was now clofely invefted, and the 
Americans fuifered feverely from the grape fhot 
of the enemy, and the Indian riflemen. Wafli- 
ington however, defended the works with fuch 
flcill and bravery, that the befiegers were una- 
ble to force the intrenchments. At length af- 
ter a conflldt often hours, in which 150 of the 
Americans v^^ere killed and wounded, they were 
obliged to capitulate. They were permitted to 
march out with the honours of war, and lay 
down their arms in front of the French lines j 
but they were afterwards plundered by the hol- 
tile Indians, during their return to Virginia. 

This defeat excited a ftrong emotion of for- 
row in the brealts of their countrymen ; and 
tho' feveral perfons cenfured the precipitance 
of Walhington in this affair, yet the general 
convi(ftion of his integrity prevented thofe mtir- 



( 12 ) 

fnMT5 from doing him any iujury. Indeed his 
conduct was liable to cenfure ; he ought to have 
waited for the neceflary reinforcements, a junc- 
tion with whom would probably have crowned his 
enterprize with fuccefs. His inexperience and 
the a6live ardor of a youthful mind, may afford 
fotne palliation of his imprudence ; but his 
rafhnefs in this inftance was fo different from 
his fubfeqiient prudence, that probably this in- 
aufnicious commencement of his military ca- 
reer, was the origin of the circumfpeftlon and 
vigilance v^fhich afterv/ards marked his condufl 
in a fuccefsful defjnfive war. 

Let us for d moment enquire into the caufe 
ofthefe unprovoked hoftilities of the French 
againli the Eritifh colonies. As France, for 
many certturies had been the profefTed rivial of 
England, Oie beheld the rapid profperity of 
thefe colonies, and the^ confequent aggrandize- 
ment of the mother country, with envious ap- 
prehenfion. The French government had made 
fettlements in North America, and divided thi^ 
vad continent Into two provinces ; the northern 
Was called Canada, arid the fouthern Louifiana. 
But as the principal part of this territory was, 
comparatively, barren and uncultivated, the 
French formed the ambitious proje<5t of obtain- 
ing pofTeffion of the Brltifh fettlements by force 
For thi^urpofe they ere(5led a chain of fort§ 



{ 13 ) 

which extended throughout ah immehre tratfl 
of country. Thefe fortifications were garrifon- 
ed by troops, well fupplied by military ftores j 
but the circumjacent regions were totally unin- 
habited, except by hunting parties of the wan- 
dering Indians. 

The French engaged thefe favages in their 
intereft, by fupplying them with arms and am- 
munition in exchange for rich furs. Thus they 
obtained the alliance of a formidable and enter- 
prizing race, who naturally hated the Britifli 
colonics, whom they confidered as the original 
Invaders of their country. 

In the fummer of I75l<, the French having 
built feveral forts within the boundaiiesof the 
Britifh fettlements, an army of veterans was 
f^iat from France to fupport thofe unjuftifiable 
encroachments. We have already mentioned 
their vidlory over the ti'oops comnianded by 
WaOiington, and that they had ereded a fort 
at an advantageous poft, which it had been his 
determination to fecure. They named this for- 
trefs Du Qiiefne, in which they ftationed at 
ftrong garrifon well provided with military 
ftores. Thofe hoftiie meafures on the part cf 
France, excited the indignation of the Englifh 
Government, and orders were ilTued to make 
general reprifals in Europe and Arnerica. 

In the year 1755, General Braddock wasfent 
B 



'( 14 ) 

to America, at the head of two veteran regi-- 
ments from Ireland, to reduce the forts on the 
Ohio. On his -arrival, he was joined by the in-^ 
dependent and provincial corps of America : 
but when the army was ready to march againft 
the enemy, the want of waggons for the convey- 
ance of (lores, had almoft proved an infur- 
mountable obftacle to the expedition. In this 
emergency a patriotic American ftepped for- 
ward and removed the difficulty ; this was the 
celebrated Benjamin Franklin, whofe extraoi - 
dinary talents had already contributed to the 
difFufion of knowledge and happiaefs. This 
benign phjlofopher exerted his influence fo 
efFeftaally with his countrymen, that in a Ihort 
time he collecT:ed 150 waggons, which proved 
an ample fupply for the army. 

As in confequence of a military regulation, 
"no officer who did not derive his commiffion 
from -the King could command one who did," 
Wafhington^ refigned ; but ftrongly attached 
to a military life, and emulous to defend his 
country with diftiiiguiflied zeal, he voluntarily 
ferved under Gen, Braddockasanextra aid-de- 
eamp. That General marchedagainft Fort Du- 
Quefne ; but foon after he crofTed the river 
Monongahela, the van divifion of his army was 
attacked by an ambufcade of French and In* 
di^nsy and totally defeated. The thicknefs of 



( 15 ) 

tlie woods prevented both the European and 
provincial troops from being able to defend 
themlelves with effed: ; they could neither keep 
their ranks, nor charg^e the enemy with the 
bayonet, while the Indians who were expert at 
bufh fighting, and were widely fcattered, fired 
at them in all dirediions from behind th'e trees 
where they were concealed from their foes, and 
took a fatal aim. Wafliington had cautioned 
Gen. Braddock in vain ; his ardent defire of 
conqued made him deaf to the voice of pru- 
dence ; he faw his error when too late, and 
bravely perifhed in his endeavours to fave the 
divifion from deftrudion. The gallant but un- 
fortunate general had four horfes (hot from un- 
der him before he was flain, and almoft every 
officer whofe duty obliged him to be on horfe- 
back, was either killed or wounded except 
Wafliington. Amid the carnage, the prefence 
of mind, and abilities of our hero, were confpi- 
cuous ; he rallied the troops, and, at the head' 
of a corps of grenadiers, covered the rear of the 
divifion, and fecured their retreat over the ford 
of Mdnongahela. 

Anxious for the prefervation of the troops, 
and unmindful of the fatigues he had under- 
gone, during a fultry day, in which he had 
f(jarcely a moment of reft, he haftened to con* 
cert meafures with Colonel Dunbar^ .who com- 



( 16 ■) 

manded the rear divifion, which had not been 
engaged. Neither the wildernefs thro* which 
he was obliged to pafs, the innumerable dangers 
that fourrounded him in his progrefs, nor his 
exhaufted ftate could prevent him from purfu- 
ipg the line of his duty. He travelled during the 
nl ght accompanied by two guides, and reached 
the Britilh camp in fafety. Thus his* perfever- 
ance and wifdom {aved the refidue of the troops. 
Colonel Dunbar now alTumed the chief com- 
mand ; and with confiderable difficulty effeded 
a retreat, but was obliged to deflroyhis baggage 
to prevept it from falling into the hands of the 
enemy. Wafliington received the moft flatter- 
ing marks of public approbation ; but his beft 
reward was the confcioufnefs of his own inte-. 
gritj. 

Soon after this tranfadion, the regulation of 
rank, which bad juftly been confidered as a 
grievance by the colonial oflicers, was changed 
in confequence of a fpirited remonflrance of 
Wafliington ; and the Governor of Virginia re- 
warded this brave officer with the command 
of all the troops of that colony. The natural 
energy of his mind was now called into a<5Hon j 
and his thoughts were continually employed in 
ibrming new plans for tke protedion cf the 
frontiers. v ^ 

We may forrn fome idea of his increafing 



{ 17 ) 

popularity, and the high eftimatibn in which he 
v/as held by his countrymen, from the follow- 
ing curious predi<5tion. It v%-as publifhed in the 
notes of a feimon preached by the Rev. Samuel 
Davies, on the Hth of Auguft, 175.5, to Capt. 
Overton's independent company of Volunteers, 
raifed in Hanover county, Virginia. " As a re- 
markable inftanceofpatriotifrti, I may point out 
that heroic youch Colonel Wafhington, whom I 
cannot but hope Providence has liitherto pre- 
served in fo fignal a manner, for fome impor- 
tant fervice to his rouniTy. ' What renders this 
prophecy the more wormy of notice, is its hav- 
ing been delivered twenty years .prior to the 
commencement of the war, which terrliinated in 
American Independence. 

In the year 1758, Wadiington comn^anded 
the van brigade of the army under Gen. Forbes, 
and diftinguifhed himfelf by the capture of 
Fort du Quefne. During this fuccefsful cam- 
paign, he acquired a knowledge of tables His 
frequent fkirmiflies with the French and In^. 
dians, in the woody regions along the frontiers 
taught hipi vigilance and circum.fpedion, and 
roufed that fpiiit of enterprife, which is ever 
ready to fei:ie the crifis th.it leads to vidory. 
The troops under his command were gradually 
inuredia that mofl difficult kind of warfare cal- 
led b'atl?.- fighting, Yvhile the activity cf the 



( 18 ) 

French and ferocity of the Indians were ovct- 
ccme by his fuperior valour. After the ene- 
my had been defeated in fcveral battles, and 
compelled to retreat far beyond the Colonial 
boundaries, General Forbes left a fufficient 
garrifon in the different forts which he had cap- 
tured along the banks of the Ohio, and returned 
with the army into winter quarters. 

In the courfe of this decifive campaign, 
which reftored the tranquihty and fecurity of 
the middle colonies, Wafhington had fuiFcred 
many hardilrips which impaired his heahh. J-ie 
was afflided with an inveterate pulmonary 
complaint, and extremely debilitated, infomuch 
that in the year of 1759, he refigned his com- 
miflion and- retired to Mount Vernon. The 
Virginia line exprefied their high fenfe of his 
merit, by an affedionate addiefs on thisoccafi- 
on ; and his anfwer w.'is marked with that mo» 
defty and magnanimity which were the promi- 
nent traits of his mind. 

By a due attention to regimes, m the quiet 
bowers of Mount- Vernon, he gradually reco- 
veied from his indifpofition^ But, as during 
the tedious peiiod of his conv.ileAence the 
Britifh arms had been vidorlous, his country 
had no more occafion for the exertfpn of his 
military tiilents. In 1761, he married a^-oung 
Vr'idov/, whcSj' maiden n^-.me w.ns I")*pdridge. 



( 19 ) 

She was clefcended from a reputable family and 
two of her brothei'*^ were ofBcers in tlie BritiCi 
navy. This lady was the v^idow of Colonel 
Cuftis," who ha'l left her Iple executrix to his 
extenfive pofleflions, and guardian' to his two 
children. The union of WaOiingtcn Avith this 
accomplifhed v/onian was y.rodudive o{ their 
mutual felicity ; and as he inceifantly purfued 
agricultural improvements, his taite embellifh- 
ed and enriched the fertile fields around Mount 
Vernon. Meanwhile l";e was appointed a ma- 
giftrate, a member of the affembly of the ft.ue 
and a judge of the court. Thefe honourable 
av'ccations kept the powers of his mind in a 
ilate of adivity ; he attended to his civil duties 
with exemplary propriety, and gave a convin- 
cing proof, that the fmipiicity of the Farmer is 
horriogeneal with the dignified views of the 
Senator. 

But the time approached, in which Wafiiing- 
ton was to relinquifti thofe honoui able civil a- 
vocations, and one of the m9ft remarkable 
events recorded in hiftory obliged him to ad a 
confpicuous part on the great theatre of the 
world. The American Revolution originated 
in the errors of a few Biitifh politicians, and 
the joint exertions of a number of public fpirit- 
ed men among the Colcnifts, .who incited their 
ffouatry-:Ticn to refift pariraniffutary taxation. 



( 20 ) 

In March 1Y64', a bill pafTed in die Brltifl* 
Parliament, laying heavy duties on ail ai tides 
imported into the Colonies from the French and 
other iflands in the Weft-Indies, and ordering 
thefe duties to be paid ip fpecie into the Exche- 
quer of Great Britain. In the fame feflion, a-* 
nother bill was formed, to reft rain the currency 
of paper-money in the Colonies, 

Thefe a<5ls excited the furprife and difplea- 
fure of the North Americans. They fent warm 
and energetic remonftrances to the Mother^ 
country, and laid every argument before the 
Miniftiy that ingenuity could fuggeft, but in 
vain. As they had hitherto furnilbed their 
contingent in men and money, by the authority 
of their Repiefentatives in the Colonial Affem- 
blies, they afferted, that, not being lepicfcnted 
in the Brltifii Parliament, it could have no right 
to tax them. — Finding, however, that all their 
arguments were ineffedual to remove their 
grievances, they {ormed affociations to prevent 
the ufe of Britiih manufactures, till they (hould 
obtain redrefs. 

The animofity of the Colonifts, was farther 
increafed, by the advice which they received, 
that the Britifli Miuiflry had it in contempla- 
tion to eftablifli fta^np-duiics in Ameiica, fimi- 
Jar to thofe in Great Britain. 

The General AiTembly of Virginia 'vns the 



I 21 ) 

firft that openly and formally declared againft 
the right of Britain to lay taxes on America. 
Of this Aflembly Wafhington was a member ; 
he moft zealoufly oppofed what he confidered 
an encroachment on the liberties of his country- 
men : and theexaniple of this legiflitive body 
was followed by thofe of the other colonies. 

In June, i 765, the AfTjmbly of Maffachu- 
fetts, from the convidion of the expediency of 
a Continental Concijrers, paffed a lefolution in 
fovour* of that meafure, and fent circular let* 
ters to the feveral Alfemblies requeft ing their 
concurrence. Accordingly, a deputation from 
10 of the Colonies met at New- York, and this 
was the tirft Congrefs held in North America. 

In confequence of a petition from this Con- 
grefs to the King and both Houfes of Parlia- 
ment, the ftamp a6t was repealed, to the uni- 
verfil joy of the Colon! fts, and the general fa- 
tisfa<aion of the Eaglifh, whofe manufa<5lares 
had fufFeted a confiderable deprefllon, in con- 
fequence of the American aifociations againfl 
their importation. 

But, the Parliament, by repealing this obnox- 
ious ad, did not relinquilh the idea of their 
right to tax the Colonies ; and the bill for lay- 
ing a duty on tea, paper, painter s colours, and 
glafs, was pafTed, and fent to America, in 1768. 
This (i.^ occafioned new difcontents in th« Col- 



t 22 ) 

vnmes, efpecially at Bofton ; and tho' Parlla' 
STiCnt thought proper, in 1770, to take off thofe 
duties, except 3cl. a pound on tea, yet even this 
trifling impoft kept alive the jealoufy of the 
Colonills, _wht) denied the fupremacy of the 
Britifh-Legiflature. The troops quartered in 
Bolton vras another caufe of offence to the in- 
habitants, and, on all occafions, they marifefted 
an inclination to quarrel with men whom they 
■confidered inimical to their liberties.. 

The animofity of the people of that Colony, 
againft their Governor, Hutchinfon, was in- 
creafed by the difcovery that he had written 
letters to people in power in England, which 
/contained a mifreprefentation of the ftate of 
public affairs, and reconcmended coercive mea- 
fures, in order to fecure the f bedience of the 
province. Thcfe letters fell into the hands of 
Or. Franklin, agent of the province, who trans- 
mitted them to Bofton. The Affembly paffed 
a petition to his Majefty, by a large majority, 
in which they declared their Governor and 
Lieutenant-Governor enemies to the Colonies, 
and prayed for their difmiffion from office. 
This petition was not only rejected, but declared 
to be groundlefs and fcandalous. 

About this time, Dr. Franklin was difmiffed 
from the office of Deputy Poftmafter-General 
of America, which he held under the Crownc 



(, 23 ) 

But It was not meriily by his triinfmiulon oUhe 
letters abov^e menlloned that he had offended 
the Britiflr Miniftry ; he-had written two pieces 
in favour of America, which excited the public 
attention on both fides ct the Atlantic The 
one was entitled, " An Edid: from thi; King of 
Pruffia for taxing the inhabitants of Grcac 
Britain, as defcendants of emigrants {row. hi:* 
dominions ;" and tlie other,, '' llules tor ujJii- 
cing; a great Empire to a fmail c:vc.~' Thefe 
e ilky s were both wr i tten w i th h I s p ecu i i . i r n m - 
pllcity of ftyle, and abounded wiili the niort 
poignant fatire. 

The difputes between Great Britain and her 
Colonies had now exiRed ,;hove ten years,, v.'iLii 
»n»x.'ivals of tranquility. ■ The reiervatlon of Uk; 
duty on tea, tlie ftationing a ftanding army in 
MaiTachufetts, the continuance of a Board of 
Commiffioners in Bofton, and the appointing the* 
Governors and Judges of the pivvince, inde- 
pendent of the people, v^'-ere the caufes cv that 
irritation v/hich pervaded all ranks of the com- 
munity. 

In the year 1773) the American controv^-rtV 
was recommenced, in confequence of tea btinj; 
fent to tho Colonies by the Eaft India Company. 
The Americans nov? perceived that the ta^ was 
likely to be enforced, and v.'ere determined to 
oppofe the rev^'nue fyftem of the Britiih Par* 



( 24 ) 

llament. They confidered tbis attempt of the? 
Eaft India Company as an indire(St mode of 
taxation, and tock meafures to prevent the land- 
ing of the eeas. One univeifal fpiritof oppofi- 
tion animated the Colonifts from New Hamp 
fhireto Georgia. The province of MafTachi 
fetts diftinguifhed itfelf by the mod violent ar 
decifive proceedings. Three ihips from En 
land laden with tea, lay in the harbour of Be 
ton ; and the townsmen refolved to deftroy / 
rather than fuifer it to be landed. For this pilr- 
pofe a number of mendifguifed like Indians Cii- 
the ISth of Dec. 1773, entered the fhips ard 
threw overboard 342 chefls of tea, being tl ^ 
whole of their cargoes. 

The Mini ft. y now refolved to enforce the 
authority, and as Bofton had been the princip: 
fcene of outrage, it was determined to punil 
that town in an exemplary manner. On th 
25th of March 1774^, an ad was paffed calle 
the Bofton Port Bill, " to difcontinue the lane • 
ing, and difcharging, lading, and ftiipping o" 
goods, wares, and merchaiidizes at the town o. 
Boftcn, or within the harbour." 

The news of this bill was received by the 
Boftonians with the moft extravagant tokens ol 
lefcntment, and during the ferment their new 
governor, Gen. Cage, arrived from England. 
This gentleman had been appointed on account 



( 25 ) 

of his being an officer of reputation, and a man 
efteemed by the Americans, among whom he 
had refided many years. The firft official ad 
of his government was the removal of the as- 
fembly to Salem, a town feventeen miles dift- 
ant. 

Virginia again took the lead in a public a- 
vowal of its fentiments. The flrft day of June 
had been appointed for the Bofton Port Aft to 
take place, and on that day the General AfTem- 
bly of Virginia enjoined a public fupplication 
to heaven. The ftile of this injunftion was re- 
markable ; the people were directed " to be- 
feech the Dieiy to give them one heart and one 
mind, firmly to oppofe every invafion of the 
American Rights." The afTembly of Virginia 
recommended alfo to the colonies, to appoint a 
Congrefs of Delegates to deliberate on the criti- 
cal ftate of .their affairs. 

Meanwhile the Boftonians were not inadive. 
They framed an agreement, which they called 
a folemn League and Covenant, by which the 
fubfcribers engaged in the moft religious man- 
ner, " to difcontinue all commercial intercourfe 
with Great Britain, after the expiration of the- 
m.onth of Augufl, till the late obnoxious afls 
were repealed, and the colony re-pofTeffed of 
its charter." Refolutions of a fimilar nature 
were entered into by the other provinces ; and 
C 



( 26 ) 

u-hen General Gage attempted to counteradl 
the covenant b}^ a proclamation, the Americans 
retorted, by infiding, that the law allowed fub- 
jeds to afTociate in order to obtain redress of 
their grievances. 

in the month of Sept. 177^, the General 
Congrefs of all the Colonies met at Philadelphia. 
That body confided of fifty-onfe delegates, cho- 
fen by the reprefeniatives of 6ach province. 

The firft aft of the Continental Congress, 
was their approbation of the condoft of the 
Boftonians, and an exhortation to them to per- 
fevere in their oppofitlon to government, till 
the refiaration of their charter. — They avowed., 
their allegiance to his IVLijefty, and drew up a- 
petition, in v^^iiich they intreated him to grant 
them peace, liberty, and fafety. After feveral 
refolutions tending to promote unanimity in the 
provinces, and after having refolved that an- 
nother Congrefs fliould meet in Philadelphia on 
the 1 Olh of May following, if their grievances 
ihould not be redrefled, they recommended to 
the people the fpeedy nomination of new dele-i 
gates, and then feparated. 

Meanwhile reinforcements of Britifli troops 
arrived at Bofton, which increafed the general 
difaifeaion to fuch a degree, that the people 
were ready to rife at a moment's warning. The 
Golonifts now began ierioufly to prepare for 



( 27 ) 

war : embodied and trained their militia ; and 
to render themfelves independant of foreigners 
for the fupply of military ft ores, they eredled 
mills and manufadories, for gunpov/der, both 
in Philadelphia and Virginia. 

Thefe hoftile preparations induced General 
Gage to fortify the neck of land which joins the 
town of Bofton to the continent. But tho' this 
meafure of fecurity was juftifiable on the prin- 
ciple of felf defence, the Americans remonftrat- 

ed againft it with the greateft vehemence, • 

Inftead of paying any attention to thefe invedli- 
ves, the General feized the provincial aramuni- 
jion and military ftores at Cambridge and 
Charle^town. This &fl of hoftiiity excited the 
popular rage to fuch a degree, that it was with 
the utmoft difficulty the inhabitants of MafTa- 
chufetts could be reftrained from marching to 
Bofton to attack the troops. 

It was now evident, that the enfuing fpring 
would be the commencement of a war of which 
even the moft refoiute dreaded the confequences. 
The ulnicft diligence, hov/ever, was ufed by 
the colonifts to be provided againft any attack 
of the Britifh army. A lift of men able to 
bear arms was made out in each province, and 
the aflcmblies v.'ere animated with the moft live- 
ly hopes on finding that two-thirds of the men 
who had ferved in the former war, were alive, 
and zealous in the caufp. 



( 28 ) 

Waftiington was among the moft adive in 
raifing troops. His well known intrepidity and 
generofity obtained him a numerous corps of 
volunteers ; he was appointed their commander, 
and foon perfe<5led their difcipline. He had al- 
fo been elected a delegate from Virginia to the 
General Congrefs, and exerted all his influence 
to encourage a decifive oppofition to Britifti tax- 
ation. 

S/" The awful moment now approached which 
was to involve Great Britain and her colonies 
in all the horrors of a civil war. In February, 
1775 the Provincial Congrefs of Maffachufetts 
metat Cambridge. Several military inftitutions 
for the protedion of the province were enabled; 
among the remarkable of which was the minute- 
men. A number of the moft a6tive and expert 
of the New England militia were felefled, who 
were obliged to hold themfelves in readinefs to 
obey the firft fummons of their officers ; and in- 
deed their fubfequent vigilance and intrepidity, 
fully entitled them to the above mentioned ap- 
pellation. 

We pafs over the battles of Lexington and 
Bunker's-hill and come to the fubjeft of our pre- 
fent memoir. Walhington v^i\o was a delegate 
to Congrefs, from Virginia, was by their unani- 
mous vote, appointed General in chief of all the 
American forces. They alfo voted him as am- 



( 29 ) 

pie a falary as was in their power to beftow.— 
but he generoully declined all pecuniary emolu- 
ments. — His reply to the Prefident of Congrefs, 
on his nomit-ation to the fupreme command of 
the army, was in the following words : 
" Mr. President, 

" Though I am truely fenfible of the high 
honour done me in this appointment, yet I feel 
great diftrefs from a confcioufnefs that my abil- 
ities and military experience may not be equal 
to the extenfive and important truft ; however 
as the Congrefs defire it, I will enter upon the 
momentous duty, and exert every power I pof- 
fefs in their fervice, and for fupport of the^ glo- 
rious caufe. I beg they will accept my moft 
cordial thanks for this diftinguiflied teftimony of 
their approbation, 

" But left fome unlucky event fhould happen 
unfavorable to my reputation. I beg it may be 
remembered by every gentleman in the room, 
that I this day declare, with the utmoft finceri- 
ty, 1 do not think myfelf equal to the com- 
mand I am honored with. 

" As to my pay, I beg leave to alTure the 
Congrefs, that, as no pecuniary confideration 
could have tempted me to accept this arduous 
employment, at the expence of my domeftic 
peace and happinefs, I do not wifli to make 
any profit from it. 1 will keep an exa»5i: ac- 
C2 



( 3(5 ) 

runt of my expences — thofe, T doubt not, they 
will aiicharge, and this is all I defire." 

Th!s Hieech is a proof of that difinterefted- 
nefs and modefty which were tho-diftinguiftiing 
charafteialics of Wafhington's miwd. In pri- 
vate life he was hofpitable and friendly. — 
Thcfe fociai virtues, together with his tried va- 
Iru!, made him truly eftimable in the eyes of his 
Gountryrnen. His ele<5lion to thefupieme com- 
mand was attended by no competition — every 
merr-ber of Congrefs were convinced of his in- 
tegrity, and chofe him as the man bcft qualifi- 
ed to raife their expectations and fix their confi- 
dence. 

The appointment of Waflilngton was attend- 
ed with other promotions, namely, four major- 
generals, one adjutant general, and eight bri- 
gadier-generals. 

On the day following, a fpccial commiffion 
was prefented to Walhington by Congrefs. At 
the fame time, they refolved unanimoufly in a 
full meeting, " That they would maintain aiid 
affift him, and adhere to him with their lives 
and fortunes, in the caufe of American liber- 
ty.'' In their inftrudions. they authorifed him 
«' to order and difpofe of the army under his 
command as might be moft advantageous for 
obtaining the end for which it had been raifed, 
niaking it his fpecial caie, in difcharge of th^ 



( 31 ) 

great trufteommitted to him, that the liberties 
of Ameiiui received no detriment." 

Wadiington's diffidence on the acceptance 
of his commiffion was extremely natural. His 
comprehenfiVe mind anticipated the numerous 
difficulties which mufl: attend his employment, 
and he v/oi;ld gladly have preferred the plea- 
fu)es of a rural life to all the " pride, pomp, 
and circumftance of a glorious war.*' 

His taking the command of the American 
aimy was therefore a ft rong exertion of felf- 
denial to an unambitious man, who enjoyed all 
the real bleffi;igs of life in the bofom of inde- 
pendence. Let us, for a moment, turn our at- 
tention to his private affairs, and we will be- 
hold him bleft with the rational pleafures of a 
philofophical retiiement, with his table over- 
fpread with plenty, and his pillow fmothed by 
the hand of conjugal love. Could man defire 
more ? — Was not this the fummit of human 
happinefs ? But now, when the voice of his 
country demands his aid, he takes the field, in 
her defence, with fiUial attachment. 

In the beginning of July, Wafliington fet 
out for the camp at Cambridge, in order to af- 
fume the command of the army. On his way 
thither, he was treated with every demonltra- 
tion of refpeft, efcorted by detachments of gen- 
tlemen wljo had formed volunteer affociations, 



( 32 ) 

and honored with public addrefles of congratu- 
lation from the provincial Csngrefs of New- 
York and Maffachufetts. 

In anfwer to thefe addrefTes, Wafliington, 
after declaring his high fenfe of the regard 
fliewn him, added, " Be afTured, that every 
exertion of my worthy colleagues and myfelf 
will be extended to the re-eftablifhment of peace 
and harmony between the mother-country and 
thefe colonies. As to the fatal, but necelTary 
operations of war, when we affumed the fol- 
dier, we did^not lay afide the citizen ; and we 
fhall moft fincerely rejoice Vv^ith you in the hap- 
py hour, when the re-eftablifliment of Ameri- 
can liberty, on the moft firm and folid founda- 
tions, fhall enable us to return to our private 
ilations, in the bofom of a free, peaceful, and 
happy country." 

On his arrival at the camp, he was received 
with the joyful acclamations of the American 
army. He found the Britifh troops entrench- 
ed on Bunker*s-Hill, and defended by three 
floating batteries in Myftic river, while the 
Americans were entrenched on Winter-Hill, 
Profpedt-Kill, and Roxbury, with a commu- 
nication, by fmall pofts, over an extent of ten 
miles. As the provincial foldiers had repaired 
to the camp in their ordinary clothing, the 
hunting fliirt was adopted for the fake of unU 



( 33 ) 

formity. WafKIngton found a large body of 
men, indifferently difciplined, and but badly 
provided with arms and ammunition. Befides, 
they had neither ingineers, tior fufficient tools 
for the eredlion of fortifications. He alfo found 
uncommon difficulties in the organization of 
his army. Enterprifing leaders had diflin- 
guifhed themfelves at the commencement of 
hoftilities, and their followers, from attach- 
ment, were not willing to be commanded by 
officers who, the' appointed by Congrefs, were 
ftrangers to them. To fubje<5t the licentiouf- 
nefs of freemen to the control of military difci- 
pline, was both an arduous and delicate tafk. 
However, the genius of Wafliington triumph- 
ed over all difficulties. In his letter to €on- 
grefs, after he had reviewed the troops, he fays, 
" I find here excellent materials for an army — 
able body-men, of undoubted courage, and zea- 
lous in the caufe. In the fame letter, he com- 
plains of the want of ammunition, camp-equi- 
page, and many other requifites of an army. 

Wafhington, at the head of his troops, pub- 
liflied a declaration, previoufly drawn up by 
Congrefs, expreffive of their motives for taking 
up arms. It was written in energetic language, 
and contained the following remarkable palTk- 
ges: 

" Were it pofllble for men, who exercife their 



( 34 ) 

reafon, to believe that the Divine Author of 
ourexifliencc intended a part of the hunian race 
to hold an abibhite property in, and unbounded 
power over others, marked out by his infinite 
poodnefs and wifdom as the objeds of a legal 
domination, never rightfully refiftable, how- 
ever fevere and oppreifive, the inhabitants of 
■ efe Colonies might, at ieaft, require from 
: Parliament of Great Britian fome evidence, 
that this dreadful authority over them has been 
granted to that body. But a reverence for our 
gfreat Creator, principles of humanity, and the 
didates of common fenfe, muft convince all 
thofe who refledl upon the fubje*^^, that govern- 
ment was inftituted to promote the welfae of 
mankind, and ought to be adminiftered for the 
attainment of t'nat end. 

*' The Ligislature of great Britain, however, 
fti mill? ted by an inordiate paffion for power, not 
only unjuftifiable. but which they know to be 
peculiarly reprobated by the Coiiftitution of 
that kingdom, and defpairing of fuccefs in any 
mode of conteft where regard fiiouldbe had to 
trur.i, law, or right, nave at length, defer ting 
thofe attempted to etTe<5l their cruel and impoli- 
tic purpofe of enflavng thefe Colonies by vio- 
lence, and have thereby rendeied it nece-ffary 
for us to clofe with their laft appeal from Rea- 
fon to Arms. Yet, however blinded that ?''" 



( 35 ) 

ifembly may be, by their intemperate rage fof 
unlimited domination, fo to (light juftice and 
the opinion of mankind, we efteem ourfelves 
bound by obligations of refpedt to the reft of the 
world, to make known the juftice of our caufe." 

This bold and explicit manifefto was dated 
at Philadelphia, the 6th of July, 1775, and 
ibbfcribed by John Hancock, Prefident of Con- 
grefs, and Charles Thomfon, Secretary, 

A general fpirit of unanimity pervaded the 
colonies at this momentous period. Men of all 
ranks and ages were animated with-martial ar- 
dour, even religious prejudices were overcome 
by patriotic enthufiafm. Several young men of 
Vhe Quaker perfuafion joined the military aflbci- 
ations ; and the number of men in arms through- 
out the colonies was very confiderable. 

Notwithftanding tliefe warlike preparations, 
the Americans unanimoufly protefted that they 
took up arms only to obtain a redrefs of griev- 
ances ; and that a feparation from the parent 
ftate was an obje(5l: foreign to their willies. — • 
The rancour, however, that accompanies a civ- 
il war, was productive of mutual reproaches, 
and the (lighteft proof often was keenly felt as 
proceeding from thofe who were once friends. 

An inftance of this nature happened at Bof- 
ton, while Invefled by the provincial army, and 
produced the memorable correfoondence be- 



■ ( 36 ) 

tween the refpedive commanders. The 1 
letter, written by General Wafliington to G( 
eral Gage, exhibited a lively portrait of his cl 
rader and piinciples as well as thofe of his col. 
trymen, — It contained the following ftrikin^- 
pafTages : 

" Whether Britifh or American mercy, for- 
titude and patience, are mofl: pre-eminent 
whether our virtuous citizens, whom the har 
of tyranny has forced into arms to defend their 
property and freedom, or the marcenary and 
lawlefs inHruments of domination, avarice, r ' 
venge, beft deferve the appellation of rebel 
and the punifliment of that cord, which yoi 
afFe<fled clemency has foreborne to infii(f> ; wb^ 
ther the authority under which I ad, is usuri 
ed, or founded upon the principles of liberty 
fuch confiderations are altogether foreign v 
the fubje£t of cur correfpondence — I purpofely- 
avoid all political difquifition ; ner (hall 1 avaiJ 
myfelf of thofe advantages, which the facre. 
caufe of my country, of liberty and human na 
ture give me over you ; much lefs fiiall I ftoo] 
to retort any inventive. 

*' You nizedi Sir, to defpife all rank not de- 
rived from the ftme fource with your own. 
cannot conceive one moie honourable than tha 
wliich flows from the uncorrup ted choice of ; 
brave and free People, the pureft fource anc 



( 37 ) ■ 

original fountain of all power. * Far from think- 
ing it a plea for cruelty, a mind of true magna- 
tilmlty, and enlarged ideas, would comprehend 
and refped it." 

This celebrated letter was by the Americans 
reprefented as the moftperfed model of the ftyle 
becoming the Commander in Chief, and the oc- 
cafion to which it was adapted ; nay, it was 
commended in different parts of Europe, and 
even in England, as the moft proper anfwer he 
could make. 

In September, General Gage failed for Eng- 
land ; and the command of the Britilh army 
devolved on General Howe. 

Meanwhile, the army under Walhington 
continued the blockade of Bofton fo clofely, as 
to prevent all intercourfe betvi-een that town and 
country. The provincial force was formed in- 
to threegranddivifions, of which General Ward 
commanded the right wing, General Lee the 
left, the centre was commanded by Wafhington. 
The army was arranged by General Gates, by 
wkofe exertions military difcipliae was gradual- 
ly and fuccefsfully introduced : the officers and 
privates v^^ere taught the neceffity of a due fubor- 
dination, and became expert in the different 
HiancKUvres that conftitute the regularity of an 
army. 

Qne infuperable obRacle to the prGvIucial 
D 



( 38 ) 

army's arriving at' perfe<5t difclpline was the 
fliortnefs of the time for which the men had 
been enlifted. It had been limited to fix months, 
and no part of the troops were engaged longer 
than the 1st of Jan, 1776. To prevent the En- 
glifli General from taking advantage of this cir» 
cumftance, Wafiiington was obliged occafion- 
ally to call in the militia when the diibanded 
rhen lefc the camp, in order that the works 
Ihould be properly defended. 

Ticonderoga had been taken by CoFonel Ar- 
nold on the 10th of May. This important for- 
trefs is fituated on a promontary, formed at the- 
jun(5tion of Lake George and Lake Champlain 
and confequently it is the key of communicatioc . 
between New York and Canada. Arnold, flurti- 
ed with fuccefs, wrote a letter to- Congrefs, in 
which he offered to i educe the whole province 
of Canada with 2000 men. From the imp«tu- 
ofity of his dlfpolition, he advifed the adoption 
cf an oitenfive war, but as Congiefs did not 
wifh to widen the breach between Great Britain 
and.the Colonies, and an aceominodation was 
their wifh, they deferred the invafion of Cana- 
da. 

Sir Guy Carleton, the governor of that pro- 
vince, planned a fcheme for the recovery q{ 
'I'icoiidtTCga and Crown Point, another fort ta- 
k^n bv th^ Americans. He had been invefted 



( 39 ) 

with full powers to embody the Canadians, and 
march them againft the enemy ; however they 
were very unwilling to engage in the conteft, 
but he hoped on the arrival of reinforcements, to 
compel them to a<3. Meantime he had colled- 
ed a numerous body of IndiaiiS ; his troops 
though few, were well difciplined, and the Uni- 
ted Colonies had reafon to dtead a man of his 
intrepidity and abilities. 

When. Congrefs were informed of these ex- 
ertions in Canada, they thought it expedient to 
make a vigorous attack upon that 4>rovince, in 
orider to prevent the invafion of their north- 
weilern frontier. In confequence of this detei- 
ifiination, an army of 3000 men under the com- 
mands of Generals Schuyler and Montgomery, 
were fent to effed the conqueft of Canada — 
They proceeded tol^ake Champlain, and thence 
by water to St. John's the £rft Britifli pod in 
Canada. The Americans landed and befieged 
the fortrefs, which was bravely defended by the 
garrifon under Major Prefton. lUnefs obliged 
General Schuyler to retire to Albany, and the. 
fole command of the troops devolved on Mont- 
gomery, who profecuted the fiege with fuch vi- 
gotir, that in a few days he became mafter of 
the place. After the redudion of St. John's, 
Montgomery advanced to Montreal with his 
tviclorious ar*ny. Om his approach ta that town. 



( 40 ) 

the few Britifli forces which compofed the gar- 
lifon, repaired for fafetv on board the Clipping, 
in hopes of efcaping down the river, but they 
were prevented by a body of continental troops 
under the command of Colonel Eafton, who 
was ftationed at the point of Sore! river. — Gen- 
eral Prefcot with feveral officers, and 120 pri- 
vates furrendered themfelves prifoners on terms 
of capitulation ; and the American General, af- 
ter leaving a garrifon in Montreal, advanced 
with a rapid march towards the capital of Can- 
ada. 

While Montgomery was thus purfuing the 
career of vidory, the province of Canada was 
invaded in another quarter by an enemy nolefs 
enterprifmg and intrepid than himfelf. A de- 
tachment of 1000 men was fent by Gen. Wafh- 
ington, from the American army at Cam- 
bridge. Tiiis expedition was condu«Sed by Col- 
onel Arnold, who led his troops by an unexplo- 
'red route thro' the wilderncfs. The difficulties 
encountered by this detachment during 31 days, 
were almofi; infurmonntable. They proceeded 
in boats by the river Kennebeck, and were obli- 
ged to work upwards againft its impetuous cur- 
rent. After fuifering various hardOiips, and 
lofmg above l-3d of his men, by ftcknefs and de- 
fertion, Colonel Arnold arrived at the inhabited 
part of Canada, after a march of 6 weeks. 



( 41 ) 

Tlie appearance of Colonel Arnold before 
Quebec threw the inhabitants into the greateft 
confternation ; but, as in his march it had*been 
impofllble to» bring any cannon, he could only 
feize the avenues that led to the city, in order to 
cut off fupplies and provifions, and await the ar- 
rival of the troops under Montgomery. 

On the 5lh of December, 1775, Montgomery 
arrived in fight of Quebec. He fummoned it in 
due form, but the garrifon fired at his flag of 
truce, and refufed to admit his meffage. As 
the depth of >vinter approached, he was convin- 
ced of the neceffity of either raifmg the fiege, or 
taking the city by efcalade. 

General Carletonmade fuch exertions as evin- 
ced the moft determined refiftance, and his ex- 
ample animated the courage of the garrifon. 
Tlie town was remarkably Ilrong both by nature 
and art, and the number of the befiegers was in- 
confiderable ; befides the vigilance of the Gov-' 
ernor vras fuch, that every part was guarded v/ith 
the greateft circumfpe«5tion. 

Montgomery, on the other hand, pofTeffed all 
thofe romantic ideas of military glory which 
prevailed in the days of chivalry ; and this love 
of enterprize was cherifhed by an intrepidity 
which made him overlook all perils ; he was 
confcious that his troops would follow with alac- 
rity v,'herever he fhould lead, and he determined 
D2 



( *2 ) 

to take the city by ftorm, orpeiifliin the attempt. 

On the 31ft of December, 1775, he advanced 
to the attack by break of day. In order to incite 
emulation among the Provincial troops, there 
were two attacks, one by the New-England-men 
headed by Arnold, and the other by the New- 
York-men, whom the General led in perfon. 

The way thro' which Montgomery and his 
paity had to pafs was narrow, and as he knew 
the moft defjperate exertions of valour would be 
required, he had fele<Sed a number of his moft 
refolute men for this enterprize. He advanced 
amid a. heavy fhower of fnow, and, having feized 
the firft hairier, he rufhed forward at the head 
of his party, and haftened to clofe in upon the 
enemy. The fecond barrier, which led direflly 
to the gates of the lower town, was defended by 
a ftrong body of the garrifcn, who were pofted 
there with feveral pieces of cannon ready load- 
ed — Montgomery advanced, with a rapid move- 
ment, and was received with a volley of mufk- 
etry and grape-fliot, that, in an inftant, killed 
and wou'nded almoft the whole of his party. He 
fell himfelf, with his principal officers. The 
troops were fo difconcerted by the lofs of their 
General, that they retreated. In the mean time, 
Colonel Arnold was engaged in a furious afTliult 
on theoppofite fide of the town. He attacked 
and carried ^ barrier defended with cannon, but 



( 43 ) 

tliis fnccers was attended with a great lot's of 
men, and he received a wound himfelf, which 
made it necefTary to carry him o5' the field of 
battle. The officers on whom the command 
devolved continued the aiTauk, and took poilef- 
fion of another barrier ; but, the befeiged, who 
ROW perceived the inconfiderable nurtiber of 
the affailants, fallied from a gate that opened 
towards their rear, and attacked them in turn. 
The Provincials were now hemmed in from all 
poffibility of a retreat, and expofed to a tremen- 
dous fire from the walls ; yet, in this dreadlul 
fituation, they maintained the conteft 3 hours 
before they furrendered. • 

Tho' this expedition had failed in ti.e great 
objed, yet it cftectually prevented any invafion 
from that quarter, a circumftance that had been 
apprehended by Congrefs. 

Thefouthern provinces now became involved 
in the conteft, efpecially Virginia, where thedlf- 
putes of the governor. Lord Dunmore, with the 
A/fembly, after repeated aggravations on both 
fides, terminated in open hoftliities. He had 
retired from WiHiamfourg to Nortoik, where he 
was joined by aconfiderahle number of loyalifts , 
but, aftei feveral fkirmiOies, be was obliged to^ 
retire to the Ihipping that lay in the river adja- . 
<:ent to the town. As it v^as now in the poifei- 
fiojijof.the Americans, they net only refufed to 



( 44 ) 

fiipply the people on board with provifions, but 
annoyed them by a number of riflemen, v-ho 
were placed in houfes near the fhips, and who 
inhumanly aimed at, and killed feveral perfons 
on board. Exafperated at their condu<5l-, Lord 
Dunmore ordered a party to land under cover 
of a man of war, and fee nre to the town. Thus 
Noifolk was reduced to afnes, and the lofs was 
eftimated at 300,0';0/. 

Meantime, the Governors of the two Carolinas 
were, expelled by the people, and obliged to take 
refuge on board the Briiifh men of war. 

Thus at the concluficn of the year 1775, th® 
whole of the Britilh Colonies, except the town 
of Boftcn were united againft the Mother-coun- 
try. 

The Bricifli troops at Boflon had endured a 
tedious blockade with their charaderiftic' forti- 
tude. All communication with the country 
v^as prevented, and the garrifon fufFered many 
inconveniences from the want of nece^arie*. 
They felt the feverities of a winter cam.paign in 
a rigorous climate, efpeciaily thofe who were fta- 
tioned at Bunkcr's-Hill, where they lay cxpofed 
to winds and fnows almofl intolerable to a Brit- 
iih conRicution. 

Tlie Provincials, in the m.ean time, Vere well 
fupplied with necefLiries in their encampment 
befere Bofton. Here Walhington prefided, and. 



{ 45 ) 

by his prudent regulations, the troops had all the 
comforts of good icnts, bedding, and frefli provis- 
ions. 

An intenfe frofl ufually begins throughout New 
England about the latter end of December, when 
the harbour of Boston, and all the rivers in the 
environs of that town, are generally frozen to a 
depth of ice siifFicient to bear a great weight. 
Washington proposed to take possession net only 
of the town, but also to take or destroy all tho 
shipjoing in the harbour, and by this decisive en- 
tei'piize, put a conchision to f.ll the hopes of Great 
Britain in this quarter. His troops were eager 
to distinguish themselves by this achievir.ent, 
and, if requisite, a greater force could soon be 
collected to second their efforts. This winter, 
however, was unusually mild, and, by preventing 
the operations of the Provincials, both they and 
the garrison were obliged to remain inactive. 

In the mean time, Mr. Penn, who had bro't o- 
ver the last petition (Vom Congress, was examined 
at tho bar of the House of Lords. This gentle- 
man had been Governor cA Pennsylvania, he v»as 
personally acquainted with most of the members 
of Congress, and was qualified to give the most 
authentic information respecting the temper and 
inclinations of the Americans. It appeared from 
his testimonies, that the charge of amiing at In- 
dependence, which had been imputed to Con- 
gress, was unfounded. They hat! been fairly e- 
iected, were men of character and abilities, the 



. < 46 ) 

Colonies had tlie highest confidence in their in- 
iegrity, and were governed by theh- decisions. 

From his account, it appeared that Pennsylva- 
nia, alone, was able to raise (>0,GOO men, 20,000 
of whom had already enrolled themselves to serve 
withoutpay, and were armed and embodied before 
his departure from the continent. Beside, they 
had, in imitation of the Colony of Massachusetts, 
instituted a corps of fiiinute-nien, anaounting to 
50(!0. 

After a tedious debate in both Houses of Parlia- 
ment, the petitition of Congress was rejected, all 
attempts to reconciliation were suspended, the 
standard of defiance seemed now to be raised, and 
both parties appeared determined to make the 
iast appeal to arms. 

When the news of this rejection of the Amer- 
ican petition reached the camp before Bostonj the 
troops expressed the greatest indignation. As 
Georgia had joined the confederacy, the Ameri- 
cans now changed their colours from a plain red 
ground, to 1 3 stripes, alternately red and white, 
to denote the number of the United Colonies. 

Washington exerted his skill and activity, in 
order to\ompel the British either to surrender or 
evacuate Boston before any succours could arrive 
from England. On the 2d of March, 1776, he * 
opened a battery on the west side of the town, and 
bombarded it. — This attack was supported by a 
^tremendous cannonade ; and, on the 5th, another 
imtiery was opened on the eastern shore, '^l^he 



( *7 ). 

garriibn sustained this dreadful bombardment: 
with the greateft fortitude ; itlafted 14; days with- 
out intermiilioH, when General Howe, finding 
the place no longer tenable, refolved to embark 
for Halifax. 

The evacuation of Bofton was not interrupted 
by the Provincials, left the Britilh troops Ihould 
fet it on fire. 

When the Araei-icans took poffeffion of Bof- 
ton, they found a multitude of valuable articles 
which were unavoidably left behind by the Brit- 
illi army. The principal of thefe were artillery 
and ammunition j — but the moft valuable booty 
was a large quantity of woollens and linens, of 
which. the Provincials ftood in the moft prrffing 
need. - 

Wafliington now direded his attention to the 
fortifications of Bofton. He employed a num- 
ber of foreign engineers to fuperintend thecon- 
ftru(5tict) of new woiks, and fo eager were tl>e 
people" in the profecution of this bufinefs, that 
every effeftive man in, the town, without dif- 
tinftion, devoted 2 days of the week to its com- 
pletion. ^ 

> As .Wafhington was uncertain of the defti- 
aatlon of the Bi itrlli ffeet and army which had 
left ^Bofton, and as New York lay expofed to 
any fudden attack, he detached feveral of his 
beft regiments, under General Lee, for the de- 
fence O'f that ciry. 



( 48 ) 

Mean while, a fmall fleet, under the command 
of Sir Peter Parker, and a body of troops under 
Generals Cornwallis, Clinton, and Vaughan, 
failed for Charlefton> the capital of South-Caro- 
lina. After a violent, but unfuccefsful attack 
in which the fleet received confiderable damage 
the expedition was abandoned. 

On the -Uh of July, 1776, the Reprefentatives 
oi the United States of America, in Congrefs 
aifembled, formally renounced all connexion' 
with Great Britain, and declared themfelves in- 
dependent. They alfo publifhed a manifeflo, 
itating a litl: of grievances, which, notwithftand- 
ing their repeated petitions, remained unredref- 
fed. For thefe reafons, they determined on a 
iinal feparation from the Mother-country, and 
to hold the people of Great Britain as the reft 
of mankind, " enemies in war, in peace friends.*'' 
This celebrated declaration, of Independencr 
concluded as follows : 

** AVE, the Reprefentatives of the United 
States of America, in general Congrefs affem- 
b!ed, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the 
world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in 
the name, and by the authority of the good peo- 
ple of the Colonies, folemnly publifii and de- 
clare, that the United Colonies are, and of right 
ought to be. Free, and Independent States, and 
that they are abfolved from all allegiance to the 



( 49 ) 

Bntifli Crown, and that all political connexion 
between them and the State of Great Britain is 
and ought to be^ totally difTolved ; and that, as 
Free and Independent States, thev have full 
power to make war, conclude peace, con trad 
alliances, eftablifh commerce, and to do alio- 
ther a6ls and things which Independent States 
may of right do. And for the fupport of this 
Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protec- 
tion of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge 
to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our 
iacred honour." 

This formal renunciation of allegiance to 
Great Britain, was followed by the greateft pre- 
parations for war throughout the United Strtt<=?, 
Wafhlngton took every precaution for defen- 
five operations, by erecting forts, and ftationing 
troops at tlie moft vulnerable points- The na- 
ture of the country was peculiaily favourable to 
defence. New-England, efpecially, prefented 
many natural barriers, confiRing of hilis and 
mountJans, interfe(5led by rivers, and interfper- 
fed with woods and precipices — feveral defiles, 
/kirted by impenetrable forefts — while majes- 
tic rivers, flowing with impetuous currents, 
feemed to preclude the invader. 

General Howe refolved to quit Halifax, and 
proceed to New-York, where he intended to 
•wait for the reinforcements from England. H« 
E 



( 50 ) 

failed about the middle of Jung, and at the en^ 
of the month arrived at Sandy- Hook, a point of 
land which (lands at the entrance of a large bo- 
dy of water, formed by the confluence of feveral 
rivers, and which is furrounded by New- York, 
Staten, and Long-Ifland. 

About the middle of July, Lord Howe arri- 
ved with a fleet and army from England. He 
fent a circular letter to the Governors who had 
been difplaced by their refpeflive provinces, in 
which he explained, that he was impowered, iuf, 
conjunftion with his brother, to grant general^ 
or particular pardons to all thofe who were wils*^ 
ling to return to their allegiance to the King 
of Great Britain. Congrefs ordered this letter 
to be publifiied in all the news -papers, in order, 
that the people of America might know the ■ 
terms on which they were to ad:, viz. either;^^! 
unconditional fubmiffion, or a bold and man- 
ly refiftance to defpotic power ; and, that thofe 
who relied on the juftice or moderation of the 
Britifli Miniffry, might be fully convinced, that 
they muft truft to their own valour for the pre- 
fervation of their liberties. 

Lord Howe next fent a letter to the Ameri- 
can Commander in Chief, but, as it was dire«fl- 
ed to *' George Wafhington, Esq." the GenV 
ral rsfdfed to receive it, as not direfted to him 
agreeably to his ftatlon His condutfl, on ^h'w- 



( 51 ) 

occafion, received the unanimous appro batioa 
of Congrefs. ., . 

To obviate this difficulty, Adjutant- General 
Paterfon was fent by General Howe with a let- 
ter directed to ** George Wafliington, &c. &c. 
&c.'' He was politely* received, and immediate- 
ly admitted to the prefence of the American 
General. The Adjutant exprefled much con- 
cern on account of the difficulties that had arif^ 
en from the fuperfcription of the former letter, 
and hoped that the et ceteras would remove all 
obftrudion to an intercourfe between the Com- 
miffioneis and General Wafhington. To this 
he replied, " that a letcer written to a perfon 
invefted with a public charader fliould fpecify 
it, otheiwife it could not be diftinguiflied from 
/ a letter on private bufmefs : Irue it was, the et 
ceteras implied every thing, but it was no lefs 
true, that they implied any thing." 

Tlie moft intereiting part of the converfation 
was that refpedling the power of the Commif- 
lioners, whom the Adjutant faid, were ready 
to exert themfelves to the utmoft to effed a re- 
<:onciliation. The General replied, that it did 
not appear that thefe powers confided in any 
more than granting pardons ; but as America 
I had committed no offence, ffie afked no forgive- 
^ nefs, and was only defending her unqueftionable 
rights. 



( 52 ) 

f'rom this conference, it was evident, that 
nothing but a decided fuperiority in the field 
could induce the Americans to relax the refo^ 
lutions which they had taken with {b moch de- 
liberation and folemnity. 

The firmnefs of Congrefs had infpired the pro- 
vincials wixh enthufiafm. That refolute body 
had declared America independant in the rery 
face of the Britifii fleet and army, while the firft 
was cafting anchor in fight of New- York, and 
the reinforcemants from England were making 
the fecond Unding on Staten Ifland. 

An attack upon Long-Ifland being determin- 
ed on by the Britifh commanders, the fleet cov- 
ered the defcent of the army, which effefted a 
landing without any oppofition, on the 22d of 
Auguft, 1776. General Putnam, with a large 
body of troops, lay encamped and ftrongly for- 
tified, on a northern peninfula on the oppofite 
fliore with a range of hills between the armies, 
the principal pafs of which was at a village call- 
ed Flat Bufli. 

Large detachments of the American army 
occupied the hills and pafles. The right of the 
Britifli army was commanded by General Clin- 
ton, Lord Percy, and Lord Cornwallls ; the 
centre, compofed of Heflians, under General 
Heifter, was pofled at Flat Bufli ; and the left 
under General Grant, was ftationed near the 
Tea Ihore. 



( S3 ) 

Eaily m the morning of the 27th, the ea* 
-gagement was begun by the HefTians, and a 
Jeavy fire of cannon and mufquetry was con- 
tinued on both sides ibr sevcfal hours. One of 
.the passes which lay at a distance, had been ne- 
glected by the Americans, which ^ve an oppor- 
tunity to the right division of the British army to 
pass the hills, and attack them in the rear. 

The Americans, when apprised of their dan* 
ger, retreated towards their camp, but they were 
intercepted, and driven back into the woods.— 
Here they were met by the Hessians, and thus 
exposed to the fire of two parties. No way of 
escape now remained, but by forcing their way 
>thro' the ranks of the enemy, and thus regaining 
their camp. This numbers of them effected, 
but by far the greater part were either killed or 
taken prisoners. 

Washington had crossedover from New-York 
in the height of the engagement, but he came 
too late to retrive the fortune of the day. He 
had the mortification to see some of his best 
troops killed or taken, without beinp; able to af- 
ford them any assistance, but he used his utmost 
exertions to save thos<e that remained by a well 
conducted retreat. 

The victory wascomplete: the Americans lost 
upwards of 3000 men, including 2000 killed, and 
i 000 taken prisoners, among whom were three 
generals — On the side of the British the loss in 
killed and wounded was only about 500. Among 
E2 



( 51 ) 

the provincials that fell, a regiment from Mary- 
l^nd was particularly regretted. It consigted 
wholly of young men of the best families in thiit 
province. They beliaved with the most admira- 
ble heroism : they were every one killed or 
wounded, and thus perished in the bloom of 
youth. 

After this defeat, -Washington did not think it 
expedient to risk another action against a numer- 
ous army of veterans, well provided with artil- 
lery, and elated with their recent victory. New- 
York required to be strenghlened, and the emer- 
gency did not admit of a moment's delay ; for 
should the British fieet be able to station itself be- 
tween tiie camp and that city, all v.'oukl be in- 
evitably lost. 

. In this extremjty, Washington exerted all his 
characteristic \i2rilance and circumspection. In 
the night of the 29th August, favoured by dark- 
])ess, and in the most pi ofouixl silence, he con- 
veyed his troops on board the boats and landed 
them on the opposite shave. He also carried off 
as muG;h of their bag-gage, urilitary stores and ar- 
tillery, as the time would permit. This retreat 
was conducted with so much secrecy, that v;ith 
the dawn, the British troops were surprised .to 
see the rear guard of the American army in 
the boats and beyond the reach of danger. 

When Washington returned with the army to 
?Jew-York, he crdei-ed batteries to be erected on 
evci-y 'spot vdiencc'they could annoy the ships of 



{ 55 ) 

war, which were now stationed in that part cf the 
river which faces th.e city. 

Tiie H^en of war were continually engaged 
with those batteries some of which they silenced, 
and enabled the British troops to proceed up the 
river, to a bay about three miles distant. Here 
the troops landed under the cannon of the fieet, 
and marched dn-ectly towards the city, on which 
Washington retreated with his men to the north 
of York-Island. On this occasion, he lost a great 
part of his artillery and military stores, yet he 
engaged the British troops wherever he could 
make an advantageous stand. 

Washington had been particularly careful to 
fortify the pass called King's bridge, and had 
chosen this position for his army v.ith tlie great- 
est judgment. He could advance or retire at 
pleasure, without any danger of being cut off in 
case of a defeat. Though he was determined 
not to risk a general engagement, yet in cider 
to inure his troops to actual service, and at the 
same time annoy the enemy, lie employed them 
in continual skirmishes, in consecjuenceofwhich 
they gradually becam.e expert soldiers. 

It was now determined to force the Amei-icar^s 
to' a greater distance, lest others of their eniis- 
saries should engage in an' attempt to destroy 
the city. — Accordingly, General Howe left " a 
sufficient garrison at New York, an4 embarked 
his army in flat bottoramed boats, by which they 
were ccnvcyed tl:ro' the dangerous. passage call- 



( 56 ) 

ed Hell-Gate and landed near the town of West 
Chester, on the continent. — After having fresh 
reinforcements, the Royal army made such 
pioveraents as threatened to distress the Ame- 
ricans, by cutting of their supplies of provisions 
from Connecticut, and thus force them to an en? 
gagement. ^ 

Washington held a council of war with his 
officers, in which it was resolved to quit their 
present position and extend the army in a long- 
but a well secured line. This the general accom- 
plished, by keeping the Prunx, a river of consid- 
erable depth, in fi-ont, between the two armies, 
with the North river on his rear. 

On the 28th of October, at break of day, the 
British troops divided into two columns, advan- 
ced towards the White Plains, an extent of high 
ground, full of craggy hills and defiles. 

The Americans maintained their ground in 
front till noon, when they were attacked with 
such vigour by the British army, that th.ey were 
cpjupelled to retire to their intrenchraents. 

During the night, Washington, ever intent 
on the defence and preservation of his army, 
ordered several additional works to be thrown up 
in front of the lines, in consequence of which the 
J^nglish general thought it imprudent to attack 
him till the arj'ival of reinforcements, 

On mature de]ii3e ration, however, Washing- 
ton thought it adviseablc to retreat : his camp 
Fas broken up on the 1st of November, and hp 



< 57 ) 

retired, with his army, into a mountainous coun* 
try, called the Township of New-castle. By 
these judicious movements, he avoided a general 
action. His system was, to harrass the enemy, 
and habituate his men to danger, so that, when 
the emergency required it, they might be able 
to act witli energy. 

When General Howe found that all his at- 
temps to bring the enemy to an action were inef- 
fectual, he turned his attention to the reduce 
tion of Forts Washington and Lee. A division 
of his army advanced to King's Bridge, from 
which the Americans withdrew into Fort Washr 
ington, which was immediately invested. This 
fort was situated on the western side of Nevv^ 
York island, in the vicinity of the city, and near-' 
ly opposite to Fort Lee, wiiich had been lately 
erected on the other side of the water, in the 
province of Jersey. Its chief strength was ii) its 
situation, it was defended by 3000 men, well 
supplied with artillery. On the 1 6th of Novem- 
ber, this fort was attacked by the British ar'yijy, 
in four divisions, and, after a resistance of some 
hours, the garrison was overpowered, and obli- 
ged to surrender themselves prisoners of war. 

In order to obtain the full command of the 
North-River, it was also necessary to reduce 
Fort Lee. For this purpor»e, Lord Cornwallis 
.crossed the river, landed on the Jersey shore, 
and marched with all possible expedition to sur- 
prize the garrison. Being appiizedofhis approach 



( 58 ) 

they evacuated the fort, leaving all their artillery 
and warlike stores to^ the . enemy. Thus both 
the Jerseys were laid open to the incursions of 
the British troops. They penetrated so far, that 
their winter-quarters extended from New-Bruns- 
"wick to, the river Delaware: and so great was 
the consternation of the Americans, that, had 
the British army found a sufficient number of 
boats "to ferry them over the Delaware, it is high- 
ly probhble that Philadelphia would have fallen 
into their hands. 

Meanwhile, Sir Henry Clinton undertook an 
expedition to Rhode-island, and became master 
of that province, without the loss of a man. The 
affairs of the Americans also wore an inauspicious 
aspect on their northern frontiers, where Gene- 
ral Arnold was defeated by General Carieton, and 
compelled to retire from Crown-Point to Ticon- 
deroga. 

The American army was now almost disband- 
ed. As the time for which the soldiers had en- 
listed was only a twelve-month, at the expiration 
pf that period, having fulfilled their agreement, 
they returned home, in consequence of which, 
General Washington found his army decreased 
from 30,000 to 3,000 men. To assist the Com- 
mander in Chief as much as possible, General ' 
Lee had collected a body of forces in the North, 
but, on his way Southward, having imprudently- 
lodged at some distance from the troops, he was 
made prisoner by a party of British light dragoons, 
)^'ho brought him to NeW'York. 



( 59. ) 

The capture of GFcneral-Lee was a heavy ios^ 
to the Americans. His profesbional knowledge 
was great both in the theory and practice of 
tactics ; he was full of activity, fertile in expe- 
dients, and of a most intrepid arid enterprising 
disposition. 

Congress now exerted themselves to jetrieve 
tlieir josses, and to recruit their army, 'They 
were furnished with a just plea for alterirtg their 
mode of enlisting men : they ordered a ne\y 
army to be levied, of which the soldier should 
be bound to serve 3 years, or during the continu- 
ance of the war. The most liberal encourage- 
ment was to be given to recruits. — Twenty dol- 
lars was allowed to every soldier, as bounty^ be- 
sides an allotment of lands, at the end of the war,. 
to all that served, and to the families of those 
who should lose their lives in the service of their 
country. 

All the provinces exerted themselves in thir, 
season of universal danger, and hastened to send 
whatever reinforcements could be raised to their 
army that lay in the vicinity of Philadelphia. 
'•,. Exclusive of the dread of being exposed to a 
victorious enemy, the Americans were particu- 
larly apprehensive of the Hessians, and other 
Germans, who had, on every occasion, commit- 
ted the most barbarous outrages. Those fero- 
cious mercenaries appropriated every thing they 
could lay their hands upon, and plundered a peo- 



( 60 ) 

pie who not only detested but despised them fo? 
their meanness and rapacity. 

As the British troops lay cantoned on the bank 
of the Delaware, and only waited till the frost 
would enable them to cross it, the Americans 
thought it advisable to remove their Congress to 
Baltimore, in Maryland. Meanwhile, GeneraV 
Washington continued to watch over the safety 
€f his country ; his mind Was continually Occupi- 
ed with new plans for the protection of his belov- 
ed America; and he beheld, with filial solicitude, 
the dangers that threatened her liberties. 

The British army now occupied a chain of 
towns and villages throughout the heart of the 
Jerseys, and had extended their quarters to the 
banks of the Delaware. General Washington- 
resolved to make some attempts on those divi- 
sions of the enemy that lay nearest Philadelphia, 
and, if possible, relieve it from the danger to 
which it was exposed. 

A corps of Hessians lay at Trenton, another 
at Bordenton, some miles lower down, and a 
third at Burlington. These towns were on thd 
opposite bank of the Delaware, and the last with- 
in 20 miles of Philadelphia. The Hessians, 
from a confidence in their military superiority, 
became inattentive to the motions of the Ame- 
ricans, and were wholly engaged with those li- 
centious outrages that had rendered them odi- 
ous to all the inhabitants. 

Washington prepared to surprize the enemy 
in their Quarte4's. Accordingly, he form^ hi» 



( 61 ) 

army into three divisions— the first was to crostj 
tlie Delaware at Trenton ferry — the second be- 
low Bordenton — and the third he commanded 
in- person, accompanied by Generals Sullivan 
and Greene. This division consisted of 3000 of 
the best men in the American service, with a 
train of 20 field pieces. On the 25th of Decem- 
ber, Washington marched at the head of his di- 
vision, io a ferry some miles above Trenton, 
with an intention to pass it at midnight, which 
v.ould enuble him to arrive at Trenton with the 
dawn. 

" It is impossible to contemplate the progress 
of this little army of patriots without emotion. 
As they march in solemn silence, without one 
friendly ray to guide their footsteps, what must 
1^6 their sensations ? On the success of their en- 
terprize depends the freedom and happiness of 
innumerable millions yet unborn — on its failure, 
awaits every evil that can appal the heart. Th» 
virtuous matron — the innocent child — the chaste 
virgin, all depend for protection on this heroic 
band. As they proceed, their bosoms throb 
with anxiety, while all the ardomof the soldier 
arises to overcome apprehension ; neither the ri- 
gour ef a winter's r.ight, nor the certainty of pe- 
rifs tliey must face can deter them from their 
purpose. Their leatlcr, who, like an eagle dri- 
ven from her nest, still hovers about its young, 
what are his thoughts ! — his noble heart forbo- 
dcs success, he iniicipates victorv ; and, while 
F 



( 62 ) 

he feels the glow of heroism, his fortitude is 
prepared to brave even defeat- itself. 
^ In coQsequenGe of the delay occasioned by the 
tlifficulty in breaking the ice, it was four o'clock 
in the morning before Washington could land 
his troops, with their artillery on the Jersey 
shore. He then formed his men into Ivm grand 
divisions-^ 'One of which he ordered to proceed 
by the lower road, and he led the other by the 
upper road to Trenton. Though it was now 
eight o'clock, the enemy did not discover the 
approach of the Americans till they were attack- 
ed by Washington's division:, and in three minu- 
tes afterwards -the lower part of the to\vn was 
assailed by the other detachment. Colonel Ral- 
le, who commanded the Hessians, made every 
effort that could be expected from a brave vet- 
eran ; but he was mortally wounded, his troops 
^vere completely surrounded, and to the number 
of 1000 rncn laid down their arms. 

This victory may be considered a<? one of the 
most fortunate events that befel the Americans 
during the war. Religious individuals attribut- 
ed this success to the interposition of Divine Pro- 
vidence, that had suffered America to be redu- 
ced to the extreme of distress, in ©rder to teach 
them not to place their reliance on their own 
strength, but to look to an Omnipotent Power 
tor protection. 

Washington repassed the Delaware, and his 
icturn to Philadelphia with such a considcrablf 



( 63 ) 

number of prisoners, was both pleasing and un- 
expected. To surprize a body of veterans, and 
defeat them in their own quarters, was an at-, 
chievment that excited the liveliest emotions of 
admiration in the breasts of the Americans. 
They were now emulous to second the efforts 
©fa General who had so nobly effected their de- 
fence ; men of energy and influence were dis- 
patched in all directions to rouze the militia, and 
about 1500 of the American troops, whose en- 
gagement was nearly expired, agreed to serve 
six weeks longer for a gratuity often dollars to 
each. - 

When the Hessian prisoners were secured, 
Washington again crossed the Delaware, and 
took possession of Trenton. Several detach- 
ments of the British assembled at Princeton, 
where they were joined by the ariny from Bruns- 
wick, commanded by Lord' Cornwallis. This 
general now marched to Trenton, and attacked 
the Americans on the I'd of January, 1777, at 4- 
o'clock in the afternoon. The vanguard of the 
Americans was compelled to retreat, but the 
pursuing enemy waschecked by some fieldpieces 
which were posted on the opposite bank of San- 
pink Creek. Thus t\Vo armies, on which the 
success or failure of the American Revolution 
depended, were crov/ded into the village of Tren- 
ton, and only separated by a creek in many places 
fordttble. The Bruish army discontinued their 
operations, and lay en their" amis ini readiness to 



( 61 ) 

make another attack next morning. — Mean- 
while Washington ordered the baggage to be si- 
lently removed, and having left fires and patroles 
in his eandp to deceive the enemy, he led his 
army during the obscurity of the night, and by 
a circuitious route reached Princeton. 

Washington had held a council of war with 
his officers, in which this movement had been 
; determined on, as the most likely way to pre- 
s&rve the city of Philadelphia from being cap- 
tured by the British army. He reached Prince- 
ton early in the morning, and would have sur- 
rounded three regiments of British Infantry that 
were stationed there, had not a detachment that 
was marching to Trenton descried his troops, 
and dispatched couriers to alarm their fellow 
Sioldiers. 

On their approach to Princeton, the centre of 
the Americans was charged by a party of the 
British troops, and compelled to retreat. In this 
emergency, Washington rode forward ; he plac- 
ed himself between his flying troops and the 
enemy. The Americans encouraged by his 
exhortations and example, rallied and attacked 
the British in turn ; and tho' Washington was 
for some moments between two fires, he provi- 
dentially escaped without a wound. During this 
contest, the British troops displayed the most 
invincible valour. One of the three regiments 
commanded by Colonel Mawhood, undismayed 
hy the superiority of the Americaiis in point of 



( 65 ) 

numbers charged them with their bayonets, forc- 
ed their way through their ranks^ and marched 
forward to Maidenhead ; the other two regi- 
ments retired in excellent order, and retreated 
to Brunswick. 

The British General was so much disconcerted 
at these unexpected manoeuvres of Washingtort,. 
that he evacuated Trenton, and retired with his 
whole force to Brunswick ! 

Thus, in the space of a month, all that part of 
the Jerseys which lies between Brunswick and 
Delaware, was over-run by the British troops, 
and recovered by the Americans. Washington 
stationed troops in all the important places which 
he had regained, and the campaign of \776 clos- 
ed with few advantages to the British army, ex- 
cept the acquisition of New-York. 

During these hostile operations, both armies 
had suffered great hardships. Many of the Ame- 
rican soldiers were destitute cf shoes, and their 
naked feet were often wounded by the inequali- 
ties of the frozen ground, insomuch that their 
footsteps were marked with blood. Tiieir Cloth- 
ing was too slight for the rigorous season ; there 
was scarcely a tent in the whole army^ yet so 
enthusiastically were they attached to their gen- 
eral that they underwent those hardships with- 
out repining. Wasbingt^cn merited this gene- 
rous confidence ; his benignity to his troops, the 
cheerfulness with which he participated their in- 
r.onvenicncesand dangers, and the heroism which 
F 2 



{ 66 ) 

he displayed in the heat of action, commanded 
their veneration; In the actions at Trenfon and 
Princeton, he united the stratagem of Hannibal 
with the intrepidity of Caesar ; v/hile his success 
animated the hopes, and roused the energies of 
the friends of American Independence. 

Tho' vested with extraordinary powers to raise 
troops, he found it very difficult to keep those 
he had together. A few were influenced, by 
the persuasions of their officers, to remain and 
deiend the comnnon cause, but the major part of 
the army were induced to serve by their attach- 
ment to their general. Indeed, the high estima- 
tion in v;hicii he was held by his country-men, 
vras ol the greatest efficacy on many occasions, 
and r-cw it absolutely prevented the troops from 
disbardini , themselves. 

The 'eci aits supplied by the several provinces 
fell short of the imended number ; yet 'vhile the 
Bi.'ish troops were detained at N. York, Washr 
ington received numerous reinlprcements. He 
now moved from his winter encampment at Mor- 
ristown, to the high lands about Middle-Brook, in 
the vicinity of Brunswick. In this strong position 
he thiew up works along the front of his lines, 
but his principal advantage was the difficulty to 
approach his camp, the ground being so judicious- 
ly occupied as to expose an enemy to every kind 
of danger in an attack. On the one side he co- 
vered the Jerseys, and on the other he observed 
the motions oi the British army at Brunswick 
©f whiclii he commanded a full prospect. 



( 67 ) 

Many stratagems were employed by the Brit^ 
ish General to draw Washington from his strong 
situation, but without effect, so that it was found 
necessary to make an attempt on Philadelphia 
by sea. 

On the 23d of July, the British fleet sailed from 
Sandy Hook, with 36 battalions of British and 
Hessian infantry, a regiment of light dragoons, 
and a corps of American Loyalists on board, Af-. 
ter a tedious navigation, they v/ent lap the river 
Elk as far as was practicable. Here the army 
landed, without opposition, on the 35th of August. 
Part of the troops were left to guard the stores, 
-while General Howe proceeded, with the main 
body, to the head of the Elk. 

When W^ashington received information that 
the British fleet had sailed up the Chesapeake, 
he marched with all possible expedition to the 
defence of Philadelphia. His army, amounting 
to 12,000 men, passed thro' that city to meet the 
British forces, whicii consisted of 15 000. He 
encamped on the Brandy wine Creek, about mid- 
way from the Eik to Philadelphia, and sent de- 
tach in ents to harass the British army on their 
march. 

On the approach of the enemy, Washington 
retired to the side of the Creek next Philadelphia, 
with a determination to dispute the passage. On 
the 1 Ith of September, the royal army advanced 
to the attack at day -break, and after a well con- 
tested battle, which lasted till night the Amevi- 



( 68 ) 

eans were defeated with the loss of 1000 killed 
and wounded, besides 500 taken prisoners. On . 
the side of the conqiiercrs, the loss did not exceed 
509. The victory was so complete, that dark- 
ness alone prevented the pursuit and consequent 
destruction or capture of the whole provincial 
army. The greatest valour had been displayed 
by the officers and soldiers on both sides. A- 
mong the American troops who distinguished 
themselves most, were the Virginians, who, from 
their affection for Washington^ had on all occa- 
sions evinced the greatest intrepidity and enthu- 
siasm. 

Immediately after the battle the Americans 
retired to Chester, whence Washington wrote an 
account of hisdefeatto the presidesit of Congress. 
His letter is dated 12 o'clock at night, and is per- 
haps the most faithful picture ever given, of the 
reflections of a great mind amid disaster and dif- 
ficulty. His troops tho' defeated were not dis- 
pirited, and they considered their misfortune 
rather as the consequtnce of superior skill on the 
side of their enemies, than as proceeding from 
any defect of valour on theirs. 

Congress, which had returned from Baltimore 
to Philadelphia, were now obliged to retire a sec- 
ond time. They went first to Lancaster, and af- 
terwards to York-Town. 

General Howe, at the head of the vanguard of 
his army entered Philadelphia in triumph on the 
26th of September, and the main body of th« 



( 69 ) 

British army encamped in the vicinity of t^e ci- 
ty. The American army was posted at Skippach 
Creek sixteen miles distant. When Washington 
received the intelligence that the British army 
was divided, he resolved to surprise the camp of 
the principal division at German Town — Accor- 
dingly, on the 3d of October, in the evening, he 
marclied in great silence, and about 3 o'clock iii 
the morning he reached the British camp, and 
immediately made the requisite dispositions for 
an attack. The patrojes discovered his approach, 
and the troops were called to arms. 

The Americans assailed the camp with the 
greatest intrepidity, but they were received with 
such bravery, that, after a very hot action, they 
we^-e repulsed, and compelled to retreat with 
considerable loss. 

When the news that Philadelphia was in pos- 
session of the royal army reached the northern 
colonies, they sent a reinforcement of 4000 of 
their best men to Washington. On their arriv- 
al, he advanced within 14 miles of the city, and 
fixed himself in a strong encampment at White 
Marsh. The British general marched out of 
PhiladelpWa in the beginning of December, to 
afford Washington an opportunity of coming to 
a general engagement, but he was determined 
to act merely on the defensive. Finding that he 
could not provoke the enemy to engage. Gen- 
eral Howe returned to the city on the 8th of 
December, and his army went into winter quar- 
ters. 



( 70 ) 

Washington now removed his camp to Val- 
ley Forge on the banks of the SchiiylkUl, about 
15 miles from Philadelphia. In this strong po- 
sition he could observe every motion of the 
British army. Huts \^ere erected, in order to 
protect his army from the rigour of winter. 
The willingness with which the troops consented 
to undergo the various hardships of so uncom- 
fortable a situation, was a proof of the warmth of 
their sttachment to their General, and their de-. 
termination to defend their country. 

While the British army were thus successful 
in the middle colonies, more important and de- 
risive events happened in the northern provinces. 
General Burgoyne was sent at the herfd of a vet- 
eran army, to make a vigorous campaign upon 
the lakes and in the adjoining provinces. He 
first took posses'sion of Ticonderoga, then cros- 
sed Lake George, and encamped on the banks 
of the Hudson near Saratoga. Here his pro- 
gress was checked by the Americans under Gen- 
eral Gates : and after two severe actions, he was 
forced to surrender on the 1 7th of October, 1777. 
This event diffused an universal joy throughout 
the United Slates. The European nations, 
and France ia particular, who from prejudice or 
envy, had so long been desirous of the downfall 
of Bridsh grandeur, received this news with 
oix'n exultaiion. Indeed, several individuals in 
Fiance had exerted themselves in favour of the 
Americans. A nmnber of brave and experien- 



( 71 ) 

Ced officers of the Irish brigade volunteered in- 
the cause of the British Colonies, against their 
parent State ; and even some of the young no- 
bility of France were emulous to distinguish 
themselves on this occasion. The most conspi- 
cuous of these, were the Marqilis de la Fay- 
ette ; Roche du Fermoy, wfio served in the ar- 
my that acted against General Burgoyne : De 
Coudray, a French officer of rank ; and Baron 
St. Ovary* 

By the assistance of these auxiliaries, the 
Americans daily improved in discipline, and the 
successful close of the campaign on the frontiei-s, 
cheered them with the most pleasing expecta- 
tions respecting the issue of the war. 

On the: 6th of Februaiy , 1 778, a treaty of al- 
liance between France and America was signed 
by the contracting parties. Washington appoint- 
ed a day for the whole army to celebrate this 
event, and it was observed with the greatest 
military pomp. 

In May, General Howe took his departure for 
Knglaiad, and the chief command of the British 
army devolved on Sir Henry Clinton. 

The English commissioners, appointed by 
the British Ministry to attempt a reconciliation 
with the Colonies, arrived at New-York in the 
beginning of June, but before they could re- 
ceive an answer from Congress, General Clin- 
ton evacuated Philadelphia, after the British 
army had kept possession of it for niae months. 



( 72 ) 

TUis event took place on the 18th of June, and 
it was considered by the Americans as the har- 
binger of their Independance. They asserted, 
that the strength of Britian was broken on the 
American continent, and that the army retreat- 
ed towards the sea, to be in readiness to em- 
bark, if the exigencies of Britain required its 
assistance. 

The British army marched out of Philadel- 
phia at 3 o clock in the morning, and crossed 
the Delaware before noon, with all its baggage. 

Washington had been apprised of this move- 
ment, and dispatched expresses into the Jerseys 
to collect troops. He passed xhe Delaware with 
the main body of his army, and was hourly join- 
ed by reinforcements of regular troops and mi- 
litia.. 

GeneraJ Clinton retreated across the country 
towards Sandy Hook, whence a passage to New- 
York might be easily efiected. In the mean 
time, Washington pursued the British army 
be sent the Marquis d^ V-K Fayette with a detach- 
ment of chosen troops to harass the rear of the 
enemy ; General Lee, wno liad been lately ex- 
changed, foIioY»ed witb a xiivision to support him, 
and Washington himself moved with the main 
body to sustain the whoie. 

On the 27th of June, the British army en- 
campeci in a strong position at Monmouth, near 
»eeho1d ; and on the morning of the 28th the 
van division of the i Americans under General 



( ) 

Lee, commenced the attack by a severe cannon- 
ade ;biit Sir Henry Clinton, had made such ju- 
dicious arrangements of his troops, that the ene- 
my were unable tO make any impression on his 
fear. 

The British grenadiers and light infantry en- 
gaged the Americans with such vigour, that 
their first line, commanded by General Lee, 
'Cvas completdy broken ; their second line was 
also defeated ; they both rallied however, and 
posted themselves with a morass in their front; 
They were again charged by the British troops, 
and were with di^culty preserved from a totaf 
defeat by the junction of their main body under 
Washington. 

In this action th^ bravery and discipline of 
the British troops were coniipicQous. They had 
forced an enemy superior in number from two' 
strong positions, and had endured excessive fa- 
tigue both from the intense heat of the day and 
unremitting toil. Th« loss of the royal army 
Avas about 500 men, and that of the Americans 
Was considerable. 

General Lee, who commanded the van divi- 
sion of the American arhiy in the action at Mon- 
mouth, Was, in consequence of his misconduct, 
put under arrest, tried by a Court-martial i' and 
sentenced to a temporary suspension from his 
command. 

Washingtbn, after the retreat of the British 
army, marched to White Plains near Kine's 
G 



Bridge, "Where he encamped. He remained in 
this position till the latter end of autumn, when 
he retired to Middle-Brook, in Jersey. Hers 
his army erected huts, similar to those they had 
made at Valley-Forge, and went into wintei'- 
quarters. 

In May, 1779, General Clinton sent a divi- 
sion of the British army to take Stoncy-Point, a 
strong fort on the western side of the North- 
River. This expedition was successful, as the dis- 
tance at which Washington lay with his army 
prevented him from giving any assistance to the 
garrison. The British General fortified Stoney- 
Point in the strongest manner, and encamped at 
Philipsburb, hulf way between that fortress and 
New-York, to be in readiness to compel Wash- 
ington to an engagement, if he should leave his 
station in Jersey. 

In order to counteract these operations, Wash- 
ington advanced towards the British army. He 
took a strong position at West-Point, on the banks 
of the North-River, and farmed a design to re- 
cover Stoney-Point by surprise. He sent Gener- 
al Wayne, one of the most intrepid offieers in 
his army, to conduct this enterprise. Wayne, 
at the head of a detachment of chosen men, arri- 
ved in the evening of the 1 5th of July withia 
sight of Stoney-Point. He formed his men into 
^ft'o columns with orders to use the bayonetonly. 
The right column v/as commanded by himself 
in person, the left by major Stewart, a bold and 
active officer. At midnight, the two columns 



( 75 ) 

marched to the attack, from the opposite sides 
of the works, whtch were surrounded with a m6- 
rass and two rows of abbatis, well provided with 
artillery. The Americans were opposed by a 
tremenduous fire of musketry and grape shot, 
but they pressed forward with the bayonet, and 
both columns met in the centre of the works, 
where the garrison, amounting to 500 men, were 
obliged to surrender prisoners of war. 

When the British General received the intelli- 
gence of the surprise of Stony Point, he march- 
ed with his army to retake it, and as Washing- 
ton did not consider the possession of that fortress 
of sufficient importance to risk a general action, 
he demolished the works, and carried off the 
artillery . 

Towards the end of the year 1 779, General 
Clinton sailed from New-York, with a considerr 
able body of troops to attack Charleston in 
South-Carolina, where General Lincoln comman- 
ded. After a close siege of 6 weeks tlie town 
was surrendered to the British General, and the 
whole American garrison made prisoners. In 
August 1780, Lord Cornwalhs defeated the A- 
mericans, under General Gates, at Camden in 
South Carolina, and he after\\\irds marched thro* 
the Southern States without opposition. 

During the fummer of 1780, the Britifii 
troops made frequent incurfions from New- York 
into the Jerfeys, and an unfuccefsful attempt 
was made by General Knyphaufen with 7000 



( 76 ) 

^en to furprife the advanced pofts of Wafting- 
ton's ai^my. So great ""vere the neceflitles of the 
American ajiny, that Wafliington was oblige^ 
to call on the magiftrates of the adjacent coun- 
ties for fpecified quantities of provifions ; nay, 
he was fomelimes coir.pelkd to fend detach- 
meius of his troops to lake neceiTarics at the 
poii:t of the bi^yonet from the citizens. This 
fcarcity was principally owing to the deprecia- 
tion of the paper currency, which difcouraged 
the farmers. from leiling their provifions to the 
army. The fiiuatioii of Waftiington was peculi- 
arlv embarraffing-the aimy looked to him for 
neceffaries, and i!~.e people for the protcdllon 
of theii property; His. prudence fuiinountGd 
thefe fJlMcuUies, and Congrefs fent a Commit- 
tee of their own bodv to his camp, to concert 
meafures for the payment and fupply of the 
troops. As the attempt of the Britifli army 
againft Waihington had made no impreflioij 
of any conTequence, the Am.ericans began to 
recover from the alarm which the lofs of 
Chaileftown had excited. Warm exhoitations 
were made to the people by Congfefs, in which 
they were callec- upon by every motive that 
could animate them to 'a61 with fpirit and promp- 
tit'ide ag;^!!''^: Great Britain. 

In the mean time. Sir Henry Clinton return- 
ed with his vidorious army from Charlefton ; 



( 77 ) 

and General Arnold who had been entrufted witk 
the command of a very confiderable divifion 
of the American army at Weft-Point, agreed to 
'deliver up that important poft to the Britifh 
General, AsWalhington had fet outfor Hart- 
ford to hold a conference with Count de Roch- 
amheau, the n^gociation between Sir Henry 
Clinton and Arnold was carried on with greater 
facility during his abfence. The agent employ- 
ed by the Britifh General was Major Andre, a 
young officer of uncommon merit. To favour 
the neceiTary communications, the Vulture 
(loop of war had been previoufly ftationed in the 
North-River, and a boat was fent at night from 
the (hore to fetch Major Andre — When he had 
Teceived fuch inftru^ions as related to his bu- 
fmefs, he fet out on his return, but was inter- 
cepted and all his papers fiezed. Arnold ef- 
caped on/ board the Vulture, but Major Andre 
was brought before aboard of General Officers, 
by whom he was c®nfidered as a fpy, and fen- 
tenced to death. The officers who figned thq 
condemnation of Andre, and even Washington 
himfelf, teftified the fmcereft grief at the ne- 
ceffity they declared themfelves under of com- 
plying with the rigorous laws eftabliftied in fuch 
cafes. 

At the clofe of the year 1 780, the American 
army felt the rigour of the feafon with peculiar 
G 2 



( 78 ) 

clrcumftances of aggravation by want of pay, 
clothing, &c. The troops had been enlifted for 
3 years, which were now expired, and incenfed 
at fo long a continuance of hardftiips, an infur- 
reclion broke out in the Pennfylvania line, which 
was followed by that of New-Jeifey. The 
complaints of thefe foldiers being well founded, 
were redrefsed, and a general amnefty clofed 
the bufmefs. That part of the American army 
which was under the command of Wafhington 
did not efcape the contagion of revolt. He 
prudently remained in his quarters, where his 
prefence, and the refpedl and affection for his 
perfon, tho' it did not prevent murmurs, kept 
his men within bounds, -and prevented a muti- 
ny. 

The campaign of 1781, was opened with 
great vigour by the Britifti army in Carolina. 
After feveral '{kirmilhes with various fuccefs, 
the two armies under Lord Cornwallis and Ge- 
neral Greene, met at Guilford, on the 15th of 
March 1781, and after a well contefted adion, 
the Britilh remained matters of the field. 
Lord Cornwallis afterwards marched into Vir- 
ginia, where notwithftanding the advantages he 
gained over the Americans, his fituation be- 
came very critical. Sir Henry Clinton was 
prevented from fending him reinforcement, as 
lie was apprehenfive that Wailiington intended 



( 79 ) 

to attack New-York. The American Com. 
mander in chief employed great fineffe to de- 
ceive the Britifli general, and by a variety of 
judicious manoeuvres, kept him in continual 
alarm. — In the mean time. Lord Cornvvallis 
took pofTeffion of York Town, in Virginia, and 
he was followed by the Marquis de la Fayette 
who had been difpatched by Wafhington with 
2000 light infantry to watch the motions of the 
Britifh army^ 

On the 30th of Auguft, Count de GrafTe 
anchored in Chefapeake Bay, with 24? (hips of 
the line. He landed troops to co-operate with 
Wafhington, who had moved with the mainbo* 
dy of his army to the fouthward, and when he 
heard of the arrival of the French fleet in the 
Chefapeake, he proceeded by forced marches to 
the head of the Elk, which he croffed and pro- 
ceeded to York Town. 

Wafliington now inverted York Town, with 
an army of 1 5,000 Americans, and 9000 French. 
He had feleded his beft troops for thi^ impor- 
tant occafion, and the French were chofen out 
of the braveft corps in France. 

The French and American batteries mount- 
ed with 50 pieces of cannon, were opened a- 
gainft York Town on the night of the 6th of 
Odober, and an inceffant fire was kept up till 
the 14th, when two detachments of the befieg- 



( so ) 

^rs attacked and ftormed two redoubts in front 
of the Britifh works. The befieged were now 
fo reduced by ficknefs, and the accidents of war 
that they amounted only to 5,600 efFedive men. 
Meanwhile, Sir Henry Clinton feleded 7000 of 
his bell troops, which he embarked at New- 
York, on board the Britifti fleet, with a deter- 
Ruination to fuccour the army under Lord Corn- 
•wallis J but the garrifon at York Town having 
peifevered to the utmoft extremity, and no 
profpecft of relief appearing, a negociation was 
ppened with Walhington, and the troops and 
feamen were obliged to furrender themfelves 
prifoners of war. Thus terminated the decl- 
iive campaign of 1780, which realifed Ameri- 
can Independence. 

Soon after the capture of Lord Cornwallis, 
the Britifli aimament appeared off the Chefa- 
peake, in the latter end of October, but to their 
moitification, they were appiifed that the army 
under Lord Cornwallis had furrendered. 

Wafhington felt all the honeft exultation of 
a patriot at this event. The orders publiihed 
in his camp, on the 20th of October, were 
ftrongly expreffive of his satisfadion. He con- 
gratulated the officers and foldiers of the com- 
bined armies on their fuccefs, and iliued a gen- 
eral pardon to all perlbns in the ContineiHal 
^irmy vvho were under arrefl, '* that every heart 



( 81 ) 

]^ight partake of the general joy." Nor diq 
be omit what he knew would be peculiarly 
acceptable to the religious turn of many of his 
countrymen. His orders conUuded with a par- 
ticular injun<5lion, ** That a thanksgiving fer- 
vice fhould be perfoimedv' at which it was 
folemnly recommended to the troops to affift 
with that ferioufnefs and fenfibility of heart, 
which ihe furprifyig inter pcfition of Providence 
in their fnyour fo juftly claimed. 

Wafiiington Was Cclicitous that the prifon- 
ers (>£ war Ihould be well treated. By his or- 
ders, they weie dillributed in the provinces of 
Virginia, Maryland, and Pennfylyania, and their 
allowarxe was the fame as that of the Ameri- 
can arniy. 

Congrefs voted an addrefs of thanks to Waih- 
ington, CouHt Rcchambeau, Count de Graife, 
and all the officers and foldiers of the combine4 
armies, for the fervices they had performed;; 
They alfo refolved, '^ That, in remembrance 
of the furrender of -the Britilh army, a marble 
column fhould be ere<3:ed at York Town, Vir- 
ginia, adorned with emblems of the alliance be- 
tween France and the United States of Arrerl- 
ca, and infcribed with a fuccinft account of the 
memorable event it was intended tacommemo- 
rate." 
sWafhington now returned with the principal 



( 82 

part of his army to the vicinity of New- York, 
where, as he was unable to reduce that city, he 
went into winter quarters. The only appear- 
ances of an exifting war were fome fkirmifh- 
es and predatory excurfions. 

On the 5th of May, 1782, Sir Guy Carleton 
arrived at New- York, being appointed to com- 
mand the BritiQi army in America. Immedi- 
ately on his arrival, he acquainted Wafliington 
and Congrefs, that negociations for a peace had 
commenced at Paris. Meanwhile, the Britifli 
troops evacuated all their pofts in South Caro- 
lina and Georgia, an^ retired to the main army 
at New York. 

Preliminary articles of peace were figned at 
Paris on the 50th of November, 1782, by Mr. 
Fitzherbert and Mr. Ofwald, on the part of 
Great Britain, and, by Dr. Franklin, Mr, Adams 
Mr. Jay, and Mr. Lawrens, on the part of the 
United States. By this treaty his Majefty ac- 
knowledged the Thirteen United Colonies to 
be " free, fovereign and independent States." 

As military operations were now entirely 
fufpended j it was no longer neceflary to keep 
the American army embodied. The States, 
however, were unable to pay them the arrears 
due for their ineftimable fervices, and thofe men 
who had fpent the prime of their days in de- 
fence of their country, were now to be difmiff- 
ed without a reward. 



( 83 ) 

An attempt was made by anonymous papers 
to incite the officers and foldiers to revolt. 
Waftiington, who was then in the camp, faw 
the danger, and exerted his influence to pre- 
vent it. At a meeting of the general and field 
officers, with one officer from each company, 
the commander in Chief addreffed them in a 
pathetic fpeech, in which he conjured them, 
"as they valued their honour, as they refpeft- 
ed the rights of humanity, and as they regard- 
ed the military and national charader of Ame- 
rica, to exprefs their utmoft deteftation of the 
man who was attempting to open the flood- 
gates of civil difcord, and deluge their rifmg 
empire with blood. Waftiington then retired. 
The officers, foftened by the eloquence of their 
beloved commander, entered into a refolution, 
by which they declared, " that no circumftance 
of diftrefs or danger (hould induce a condu(ft 
that might tend to fully the reputation and 
glory they had acquired j that the army contin- 
ued to have an unihakcn confidence in the jus- 
tice of Congrefs and their Country, and that 
they viewed with abhorrence, and rejefted with 
difdain, the infamous propofitions in the late a- 
nonyniousaddiefs to the officers of tlie army." 
The fortitude and patriotifm of Wafilington 
were in no inftance of more e^ential fervice t© 
America, thaa on this mementOBs occafion. 



i u ) 

iaftead of making the difcontent of the arrn_y 
•nftrume.Rtal to his own ambition, and ufurp-^ 
ing the goverment, this^agnaninious patriot 
foothed the paffions 9)i hisfoldiers, and preferved 
inviolate the liberties of his country. , 

Towards the clofe of the year 1783, Congrefs 
HTued ,a proclatnation, in which the armies of 
the United States were applauded for their 
"long eminent and faithful fervices,'* Con- 
grefs then declared it to be their pleafure, "that 
flich part of their Federal armies as ftood en- 
gaged to serve during the war, fhould, from 
and after the 3d day of November next, be abfo- 
lutely difcharged from the faid fervice." 

Wafhington's " Farewell orders to the ar- 
mies of the United States," dated Rocky-Hill, 
near Princeton, 2d Nov. 1783, is a pathetic 
exhortation, in which the disintereftednefs oj^ 
the Patriot is blended with the wifdom of the 
Philofopher.— it contains the following intereff- 
i'ng and impreffi've paflUges. 

" It only remains for the commander in 
Chief to addrefs himfelf once more, and for the 
laft time, to the armies of the United States, 
and to bid them an a^ectionate — a long fare- 
well. 

" It is univerfally acknowledged, that the en- 
larged ptofpect of happinefs opened by the ef- 
tabiiftimentof our Independance, almoll exceed 



( 85 ) 

the power of defcription ; anjd fliall not the 
brave men who have contributed fo efTentially to 
this ineftimable acqutfition, retiring victorious 
from the field of' war to the field of agriculture, 
participate *in all the bleffings which have been 
obtained ? — In fuch a Republic, who will ex- 
clude them from the rights of citizens, and the 
fruits of their labours ? — To thofe hardy fold:» 
ers who are actuated by the fpirit of adventure* 
the filheries will afford an ample and profitable 
employment ; and the fertile regions of the 
Weft will yield a moft happy aiTylum to thole 
who, fond of domeftic enjoyment, are feeking 
for i^crfonal. independence. 

*' The commander in Chief conceives little 
is now wanting to enable the foldiers to change 
the military character into that of the Citizen ^ 
but that fteady and decent tenour of behaviour 
which has generally diftinguiihed not only the 
army" under his, immediate command, but the 
different detachments and feparate armies, thro' 
the courfe of the war^ — from their good (enCe 
and pudence, he anticipates the happied con- 
fequences ; — and, while he congratulates them 
on the glorious occafion which renders their fer- 
vioes in the field no longer neceffary, he wiflies 
to exp^refs the ftrong obligation he feels himfelf 
under, for the afiiftance he has received from 
every clafs, and in every iEl^ance. To the Va- 
H 



( 86 ) 

rlous branches of the army, the General taket 
this laft and folema opportunity of profefling 
his inviolable attachment and friendfliip — He 
wifhes more than bare prcfeffions were in his 
powei — that he was really able to be ufeful to 
them in future life. And being now to con- 
clude thefe his laft public orders, to take his ul- 
timate leave, in a (hort time, of the military 
character, and to bid a final adieu to the ar- 
mies he hasfo long had the honour to command, 
he can only again offer, in their behalf, his re- 
commendations to their grateful Country, and 
his prayers to the God of Armies, May am- 
ple juftice be done them here, and may the 
choiceft of Heaven's favours both here and here- 
after attend thofe who, under the Divine auf- 
pices, have fecured innumerable bleffings for 
others !— With thefe wifhes, and this benedic- 
tion, the Commander in chief is about to re- 
tire from fervice. The curtain of feparation 
will foon be drawn, and the military fcene, to 
him, will be clofed for ever." 

To this addrefs, the army that remained at 
Weft Point, on the banks of the Hudfon, fent 
a moft refpedfuland afFe(Sionate anfwf r. After 
returning thanks to their General, for his exer- 
tions in their favour, they exprefs their feeling© 
in the follov.ing bold and figurative language : 

" P.egardlefs of prefect fufterings, we look- 



( 8T ) 

ed forward to the end of our toils and dangers, 
to brighter fcenes in profpe£l. There we be- 
held the genius of our Country dignified, by our 
Sovereigty and Independance, fupported by 
Juftice, and adorned with every liberal Virtue. 
There we f^w patient Hufbandry fearlefs ex- 
tend her cultivated field, and animated Com- 
merce fpread her fails to every wind. There 
we beheld fair Science lift her head, with all the 
Arts attending in her train. There, bleft with 
Freedom, we faw the human Mind expand, and 
tlirowing afide the reftraints i^hich confined it 
to the narrow bounds of country! it embraced 
the world. Thofe animating profpeds are now 
changing to realities, and actively to have con- 
tributed to their production, is our pride, our 
glory." 

New- York was evacuated by the Britifli troops 
about 3 weeks after the difchargd" of the Amer- 
ican army. Meanwhile, Walhington, having 
finiQied the great work of the Revolution, and 
founded a Republic, he vvKhed to retire from the 
eye of obfervation, to the peaceful rural fhades 
ofhis patrimonial inheritance. Accordingly, 
he took leave ofhis officers in the moft folemn 
manner. Having been previoufly aflembled 
for that purpofe, Washington joined them, and 
calling for a glafs of wine addrefled them in the 
following words : " With a heart full of love 



( 88 ) 

and gratitude, I now take leave of you : — I 
moft devoutly wifb, that your latter days may 
be profperous and happy, as your former ones 
have been glorious and honourable." The 
officers were deeply affefted : they came up to 
him fucceffively, and he took an affectionate 
leave of each. Ke then left the room, and paf- 
fed betw^een the ranks of a corps of light Infan- 
try, thkt lined his way to the fide of the North 
River. — The officers followed him in a folemn 
filent train ; their eyes were fuffui'ed with tears. 
They felt a flrong emotion of regret at parting 
with a hero who had participated their dan- 
gers, and fo often led them to glory. When 
Wafhington entered the barge, he turned to- 
wards his fellow-foldiers, with a countenance 
expreffive of his feelings, and waved his hat as 
a laft adieu. 

He proceeded to Annapolis, to refign his 
commiffion to Congrefs, and was accompanied 
by his nephew. Major George Wafhington, 
and Colonel Humphreys, his aid-de-camp. — 
His progrefs was marked by public rejvoicings ; 
triumphal arches were eredled at the entrance of 
every town and village through whieh he paf- 
fed. A number of beautiful young virgins, ro- 
bed in white, met him with fongs of gratula- 
tion — they ftrewed laurel before the benign hero, 
fvjjp moved flowly on a white charger. The 



( 89 ) 

name of Waftiington excited an univerfal emo- 
tion. Women and children thronged the doors 
and windows* eager to behold the Deliverer of 
their Country — bands of mufic filled the air 
with fprightiy melody, while the men^ who had 
fought under the banners of Liberty hailed 
their General with acclamations, Wafhington 
received this tribute? of public p^rjititude with his 
chara(5teriilic benignity. '.vLiie his bafcm partici- 
pated the general happinefs. 

On his arrival at Annapolis, he informed 
Congrefs of his intended refignation ; — they te- 
iblved it fliould be in a public audience, and on 
the day appointed, numbers of diftinguifhed 
perfons attended, to behold the inteiefting 
Icene. General WaHiington addreffed the Fre- 
fident in the following words. 
Mr. Prefident, 

" The great events on which my refignation 
depended, having at length taken place, i have 
now the honour of offering my fmcere congratu- 
lations to Congrcfs, andof prefenting myfelf be- 
fore them to fuiTender into their hands the trull 
committed to me, and to claim the indulgence 
of retiring from the fervice of my country. 

*' Happy in the confirmation of our Indepen- 
dence and Sovereignty, and pleafed with the op- 
portunity afforded the United States of becom- 
ing * refpedable nation, I refign with facisfac- 
H 2 



( M ) 

>Ion, theappointment I accepted with diffidence i 
a diffidence in my abilities to accemplife fo ar- 
duous a taik, which however, wasfuperceded by 
a confidence in the reditude of our caufe, the 
fupport of the Supreme Power of the Union, and 
the patronage of Heaven. 

" The fuccefsful termination of the war has 
verified the moft fanguine expeftations, and mj 
gratitude for the interpolition of Providence, 
and the afliltance I have received from my 
countrj-men, increafes with every review of the 
momentous conteft. 

** While I repeat mj obligations to the army 
in general, I fliould do injuftiee to my own feel- 
ing, not to acknowledge, in this place, the pe- 
culiar fetvices and 4i^tiugui{hed merits cf the 
perfons who had been attached to my perfon 
during the war ; Jt was impoflSble the choice 
of confidential ofiicers to com pofe my family 
fhould havp been mo^e fqrtuoate j permit me. 
Sir, to reccommpnd,. in particular, thcfe who 
have continued in the fervice to the prclent mo- 
ment, as worthy of tl^e fevouraWe notice and 
patronage of Congrefs. 

"I confider it as my indifpenfible duty to 
clofe this la ft folemn ad of my ofHcial life, by 
recommending the intcreftsof ourdeareft coun- 
try to the protedion of Almighty God, aiid 
thofe who have the fuperintcndence of them lo 
|li§ holy keeping. 



( 91 ) 

" Having now finiflied the work affigned mtp 
I refill e from the great theatre ofadtion, an4 
biddiog an afie(5tionate farewell to this aogui| 
body, onder whofe orders I have long a6led> 1 
here offer my commiffion, and take my leave of 
all siie employments of public life," 

To this the Preiident returned the fodlowing 
asiif^er : 

**The United States in Congrefs aiTemWed, 
receive with emotions too affedling for utterancet 
tlse folemn reiignation of the authorities binder 
wlskh yoQ h^ve led their troops \^th fuccefs* 
t&imgh a peiilons and doubtful war. 

«* Cabled upon hy your Country to defend its 
iav^e4 rights, you had accepted the facied 
dMurge before it had forined alliances^ and 
whSi^ it was without friends or a government to 
luppo'it her* 

"You have co5idu(5ted t?^e great miHtafry con- 
tell ^th wifdom and fortitude, invsir iably re- 
garding the lights of the civil power through 
all diiailers and changes. You have by the 
love and con^ence of your fellow-citisens, en- 
aMed thcno to difplay their martial genius and 
trasmit theJr fame to pofteiity.— ^Having de* 
^uded the ftandard of liberty in this new 
wcaid, having taught a lellbn uiefql to thoie who 
jnffiififc, aad io thofe who fcei oppie^on, you re. 
p^ iicaji^th^ gte^t th^atti^ of a^oa wi^ tl«» 



( 92 ) 

blefflngs of our ftUow citizens ; but the glory of 
your virtues will not terminate with ycur mili- 
tary command — it will continue to animate 
rcmoteft ages,*' 

Wafhington now haftened to Mount Vernon, 
where he was welcomed by his afftdionate con- 
fort, neighbors and domeftics, with every de- 
nionftration of joy ; and divefting himfelf of the 
military robe, he once more aflumed the plain 
garb of the farmer. 

Agiicuiture was his favourite purfuit-^His 
eftate at Mount Vernon particularly engaged his 
attention, and was produ<5tive of large quantities 
of wheat, Indian corn, potatoes, and flax, befides 
flocks of fheep and herds of cattle. — His'life 
was regulated by temperance j he rofe early, and 
after fpending the day in a variety of rural pur- 
fuits, he retired to reft about nine o'clock. This 
was his invariable rule, except when vifitors re- 
quired his polite attention. His table was fpiead 
with the moft wholefome viands and pure wines, 
but he commonly dined on a fmgle difh, which 
with a few glalfes of wine, formed his repaft. 
He liberally patronized an academy at Alex- 
andria, encouraged the interior navigation of 
the Potoraack ; he was the benefactor of the 
poor, and, in (hort, like the fun to vegetation, 
his cheering influence and exr*m pie promoted the 
happinefs of fociety where he refided. 



( 93 ) 

In thefe peaceful fcenes, Wafhington epjoyed 
the rational delights of rural life from the year 
1783, till the fummer of 1787, when he was cho- 
fen Prefident of the Convention, which met at 
Philadelphia, and framed the prefent Conftitu- 
tion of the United States, The Federal Union 
after eleven years experience, had been found 
inadequate to the purpofes of government. The 
fundamental diftindtion between the Articles of 
Confederation, and the new Conftltution, lies in 
this ; the former afted only on States, the latter 
on individuals ;— the former could neither raife 
men or money by its own authority, butlay at the 
difcretion of 13 different Legislatures, and, with- 
out their unanimous concurrence, was unable to 
provide for the public fafety, or for thtf payment 
of the national debt. By the new Conftitution, 
one Legiflative, Executive, and Judical power 
pervades the whole Union." After a full con- 
fideration, and thorough diicuffion of its princi- 
ples, it was ratified by 1 1 of the 13 ftates, and 
North Carolina and Rhode Ifland have fince 
given their concurrence. 

The new Conftititution being thus adopted, 
Wafhington was cliofen Prefident in April, 1789, 
by the unanimous vote of his countrymen. 
When he received intelligence of his election, he 
fet out from Mount Vernon for New-York. He 
was efcortedby the militia and gentlemen of the 



( 5i ) 

firit ch»rax*Ver from State to State, and numer* 
ous addrefTtis of Congratulation were piefented 
to him by the inhabitants of the towns through 
which^he palfed. On his approach to Philadel- 
phia, he was met by above 2©,000 citizens, who 
conduced him to the city, where an elegant en* 
tertainment was prepared for him. 

His progrefs from Philadelphia to New. York 
is thus difcribed by an elegant writer, and pre- 
fents an animated pictUTe of public gratitude. 
" When Mr. Waftiington croiTed the Delaware 
and landed on the Jerfey fhore, he was faluted 
with 3 cheers by the inhabitants of the vicinity. 
When he came to the brow of the hill on his 
way toTrenton,a triumphalarch was eredled on 
the bridge, by the dire(5tion of the ladies of the 
place. The crown of the arch was highly or- 
namented with imperial laurels and flowers, and 
on it was difplayed, in large figures, " Decem- 
ber 26th, 1776.'' On the fweep of the arch, was 
this infcription, " The Defender of the Mothers 
will alfo prote<5t theirDaughters." On the north 
fide were ranged a number of young girls dreff- 
ed in white, with garlands of flowers on their 
jieads, and bafkets of flowers on their arms — in 
the fecond row flood the young ladies, and be- 
hind them the married ladies of the town. The 
mftant he pafled the arch, the young girls be- 
gan to ftng the following ode ; 



( 95 ) 

<♦ Welcome, mfghty Chief, once more, 
♦♦ Welcome to this grateful shore :— 
" Now no mercenary foe 
" Aims, again, the fatal blow— 
*^ Aims at thee the fatal blow. 
*' Virgins fair and matrons grave, 
'* These thy conq'ring arm did save, 
*^ Build for thee triumphant bowers ; 
*' Strew ye fair, his way with flowers, 
<' Strew your Hero's way with flowers." 
♦* As they fung the laft lines, they ftrewed 
their flowers on the road before their beloved 
Deliverer. — His fituation on this occafion, con- 
trafted v^ith what he had, in December 1 776, 
felt on tlie fame fpot, v/hen the affairs of Amer- 
ica were at tlie loweft ebb of deprefSon, filled! 
him with fenfatrons that cannot be defcribed^ 
He was rowed acrofs the bay from Elizabeth- 
Town to New-York, in an elegant barge, by 1 ^ 
pilots. All the vefiels in the harbour hoifted 
their Bags. On his landing, univerfal joy di£u- 
fed itfelf thro' every order of the people, and 
he was received and cSngratulated by the Gov- 
ernor of the State and officers of the Corpora- 
tion. In- the evening, the houlies of the inhabi- 
tants were brilliantly illunrinated. 

On the 3()th of April he was raangurated 
Prefidentof the United States, and took the oath 
enjoined by the confl.itution, in the following 
■words, "I GC folemnly fwear, that I will failh- 



( 96 ) 

^fiilly execute the office of Prefident of the TJnf- 
ted States, and will, to the beft of my ability 
protedt and defend the Conftitution of the Uni- 
ted States." An univerfal and folemn filence 
prevailed among the fpeftators during this part 
of the ceremony. The Chancellor then pro- 
claimed him Prefident of the United States, and 
was anfwered by the difcharge of cannon, and 
the acclamations of 20,000 citizens. 

Soon after his appointment to the Chief Ma- 
giftracy, he vifited the Eaftern States, with a 
view to promote agriculture, and explore the 
means of natior>al ipiprovement. The French 
Revolution, which has excited the attention of 
mankind, proved a fevere teft to the prudence 
of Wafhington. Tho' he fecretly difapproved 
of the violent meafares of the French Republic, 
yet he f aw that it was neceffary for America to 
preferve a mutual good underftanding witli that 
nation. 

Wafhington was twice elected Prefident, and 
during his 8 years adminiftration, he perform- 
ed the duties of his arduous office with all the 
zeal of an honeft patriot. — After having fpent 
45 years of his life in the fervice of his country, 
he, in September, 1796, announced his deter- 
mination to retire in an addrefs, expreffive of 
his gratitude and afFe(5lion. 

Wafhington oace more retired to his favour- 



( 97 ) 

jte feat, with the hope of devoting' the rematu- 
der of his days to the calm duties of domeftie 
life. From March, 1797, to July 1798, he en- 
joyed the pleafures arifing from the pra<5lice of 
virtue. The aggiefSons of France now alarm- 
ed Mr. Adams's adminii^ratioa, and that 
they might be prepared to refift open hoftilit)'', 
they found it expedient to embody their army. 
Convinced of the abilities and integrity of th^rt 
venerable man, whofe valour had been inftru- 
mental to the emancipation of his country, Con- 
grefb appointed Wafhington Commander in 
Chief of' the armies. He accepted the appoint- 
ment, and his letter to the Frefident on that oc- 
eafion, is marked with that perfpicuity which 
drftiriguifiies all his writings. 

But tlie moment now approached in whiclr 
this llluftrioiis chara«5ter v/as to be removed to 
another ilate of exiftence. On the ISth of De-: 
cember, 1799, he rode out to one of his planta- 
tions, and the day being rainy he caught cold, 
which brought on an in^ammatory fore throat. 
This difeafe became alarming on Friday nighty 
and when his- phyfician ariived on Saturday- 
morning, medical aid was inefficacious. A few 
minutes before he expired, he enquired, " Doc- 
ter, how long am I to remain in this fituation ?" 
The phyfician replied, *' Not long Sir.*' 

A gentleman, who was prefent at Mouot 
I 



(98 ) 

Vernon, has furniflied us with the follov/ing 
particulars relative to the death of General 
WaOiington :— 

♦* The General, a little befoi-e his death, had 
begun ieveral improvements on his farm. At- 
tending to fome of thefe, he probably caught 
his death. He had in contemplation a gravel 
walk on the banks of the Potomack ; betweeii 
thii walk and the river there was to be a fiOi 
pond. Some trees were to be cUt down, and 
others preferved. On Friday the day before he 
died, he fpent fome time by the fide of the ri-^ 
ver marking the former. There came a fall of 
fnow, which did not deter him from his piirftlit, 
but he continued till his neck and hair wer^ 
quite covered with fnow» He fpent the even- 
ing with Iviis. Wafhington, reading the news- 
papersj which came by the mail that etening ; 
he went to bed as ufual about 9 o' clock, waked 
tip \h the night, and found himfelf extremely 
Unwell, but would not allow Mrs. Wafhington 
to get lip, or the fervants to be waked. In the 
morning, finding himfelf very ill, Dr. Craik of 
Alexandria, was fent for. Soon after his arri- 
val, two confulting phyficians were called in^ 
but all would not avail. On. Saturday he died. 
He faid to Col. Lear a little before his deaths 
** bury me decently, and not till two days after 
my deceafe."— To Dr. Craik he faid. " I die a 



( 99 ) 

very hard death, but I am not afraid to die.**-*-. 
Before he breathed his laft, he laid himfclf on 
his back, placed his hands before him, and do- 
fed his own mouth and eyes." 

Philadelphia, J)ec. 19. 

On Saturday the 14th inft, died at his feat 
in Virginia, General George Wafhington, Com- 
mander in Chief of the Armies, and late Prefi- 
dent of the Congrefs, of the United States of 
America^— mature in years, covered with glory, 
and rich in the affections of a free people, and 
^he admiration of the whole civilized world* 

When men of common character are fwept 
from the theatre of life, they die without the 
tribute of public concern, as they had lived with- 
out a claim to public efteem — But when Per* 
fonages of great and exalted worth, are fum- 
moned from this fublunary fcene, their death 
calls forth a burft of general regret, and invigo- 
rates the flame of public gratitude-^In obedi- 
ence therefore to the voice of their Country, the 
Poet, the Orator, and the Hiftoiian, will com- 
bine tp do juftice to the chara<fter of this illuftri- 
ous Patriot : whilft the ingenious labours of 
the Sculptor, the Statuary, and the Painter, 
will unite in perpetuating the virtues of The 
Mak of the Age. 

Mourn, Columbia, mourn !-r-rThy Father 
gnd Pr®te<?^or is no more I — Ivjourn I^eader, of 



'( i<50 ) 

whatever kindred, tongue or clime thou be, thy 
Friend, the Friend of Man and of Liberty, is 
gone ! The Hero, the Sage, the Patriot, this 
glorious emanation of the Diety, is carried back 
to the bofoni ofhisGod ! — The recording An- 
gel has enregifterediiis virtuous deeds in Hea- 
ven, and the name of WASHINGTON will 
live for ever ! 

Alexandria, Z)^<r. 20. 

On Wednefday laft the mortal part of Wafli- 
ington the Great — the Father of his Country, 
and the Friend of Man — was configned to the 
filent tomb with folemn honours and funeral 
pomp. 

A multitude of people, from many miles rounds 
affembled at Mount Vernon, the choice abode, 
and lad earthly refidence of its illuftrious Cheif. 
There were the groves, the fpacious avenues, the 
beautiful fcenery, the noble manfron^ — but alas J 
■its auguft inhabitant was gone \ — his body in- 
deed, was there, but his foul was fled ! 

In the long and lofty porcico, where ©ft the 
Hero walked in all his virtuous gloiy, now lay 
the fhrouded corpse. — The countenance, ftill 
xrom^fed and ferene, feemed to exprefs the 
dignity of that fpirit which fo lately aduated 
the lifelefs form — There, tbofe who paid the 
laft fad honours to the Benefadtor of his Coua- 
trjs took a laft— a fad faieweU, 



( 101 ) 

Near the head of the coffin, were infcrihed the 
words Surge ad Judicium ; about the middle, 
Gloria Deo ; and, on the filver plate, General 
George WaJJiington departed this Life 1 4/^ Dec* 
JLtat 6§, 

Between 5 and 4 o'clock, the found of artil- 
lery from a veifel in the river firing minute 
guns, armifed all our forrowful feehngs — the 
body was moved, and a band cf mufic with 
mournful melody, melted the foul into all the 
tendernefs of woe. — The procelfion marched 
in the following order : 
Cavalry, Infantry, & Guird with arms reverfed; 

Clergy ; Mufic ; 

TJie general's horfe, with his faddle, holfters, 

and piftois ; 
Col. Simms, C o 7 ^ol- Gilpin, 

RanJay, } ^ ^ Marftelle-, 

Payne, L ^ J Little ; 

Mourners ; 
Masonic Brethren ; 
And Citizens. 
When th$ proceffion arrived at the bottora 
of the ly.wn on the banks of the PotcmaCk, where 
the family vault is placed, the Cavalry halted, 
and the Infantry marched towards the mount 
and formed in lines ; The Clergy, the Mafonic 
Brethren, and the Citizens, defcended to the 
vauh, wher 
peifornSed. 

12 



( 102 ) 

Three general dllcharges by the artillery* 
tjavalry, and infantry, paid the laft tribute of re- 
fpec^ to the entombed Commander in Chief of 
the American Armies. 

The Sun was now fetting — Alas, the Sen ot 
Glory was fet — No, the name of Washington 
will live for ever I 

From Vernon's Mount behold the Hero rife, 
Refplendent Forms attend him thro* the Ikies ! 
The Ihades of war-worn Veterans round him throng 
And lead enwrap'd their honour'd Chief along. 
A laurel wreatji the immortal Warren; bears. 
An arch triumphal iVlERCER's hand prepares ; 
Young Lawrence, erftth' avenging boit of war, 
"With port majeftic, guides the glittering car ; 
Montgomery's godlike form direds the way, 
And Green unfolds the gates of endlefs day; 
"Whilft Angels, " trumpet tongu'd," proclaim thro'^ 
air, 
* Pue Honours for The first of men prepare!*' 



PROCEEDINGS IN CONGRESS. 

House of representatives. 

Thuhsday, Z)^r. 19, 1799. 

Mr Marftiall addreffed the Chair as follows : 

«* Mr. Speaker — The melancholy event which 

was yefterday announced with doubt, has been 

rendered but too certain. Our Waftiington is 

no more !— The hero, the fage, and the patriot 

of America — the man on whom in times of 

danger, every eye was turned, and all hopes 

were placed, lives now, only in his owji great 



( 103 ) 

a<?lions, and in the hearts of an afFedionate and 
an nfHided people. 

*' If, Sir, it had even not been ufual, openly 
to teftify refpedt for the memory of thofe whom 
Heaven had felecSted as its inftruments for dif- 
penfmg good to men, yet, fuch has been the 
uncommon worth, and fuch the extraordinary 
incidents, which have marked the life of him, 
whofe lofs we all deplore, that the whole Ame- 
rican nation, impelled by the fame feelings, 
would call with one voice, for a public manifes- 
tation of that forrowj which is fo deep and fo 
univerfal. 

*f More than any other individual, and as 
much as to one individual was pofilble, has he 
contributed to found this our wide fpreading 
Empire, and to give to the Weftern World its 
independence and freedom. 

** Having efFe<5ted the great obje<St, for which 
he was placed at the head of our armies, we' 
have feen him converting the fword into the 
plough (hare, and voluntarily finking the Sol- 
dier into the Citizen. 

** When the debility of our Federal fyftem 
had become manifeft, and the bonds, which con- 
nedled the parts of this vaft continent, were 
dilfolving, we have feen him the Chief of thofe 
t^atriots who formed for usa Conftitution, which 
by preferving the Union, will, I truft, fubftan- 



( 104 ) 

date and perpetuate thofe bleflings, whicii our 
Revolution had promifed to beftow. 

" In obedience to the general voic^ of his 
Country, calling on him to prefide over a Great 
People, we have feen him once more quit the 
retirement he loved, and in a feafon raore^tem- 
peftuous than war itfelf, with calm and wife de- 
termination, purfue the true interefts of the 
Nation, and contribute, more than any other 
could contribute, to the eftablifhment of that 
fyftem of policy, which will, 1 truft, yet pre- 
ferve our peace, our honour, and our indepen- 
dence. 

" Having been twice unanimoufly chofen the 
Cheif Magiftrateof a Free People, we fee him, 
at a time when his re-ele6lion with univerfal 
fuffrage could not be doubted, affording t© the 
v^orld a rare inftance of moderation, by with- 
drawing from his high ftation to the peaceful 
walks of private life. 

" However the public confidence may change 

and the public affeiftions fluduate with refpeift 

to others, yet, with refpe^fl to him, they have 

■in war and in peace, in public and in private 

,life, been as fteady as his own firm mind, and 

as conftant us his own exalted vktues. 

" Let us, then, Mr. Speaker, pay the laft tri- 
bute of afre<Slon and refped to our departed 
Friend— Let the Grand Council of the Nation 



{ 105 ) 

4Ifplay t^ofe fentiments which the Nation feels 
— For this purpofe I hold in my hand fome Re- 
folutions, which I take the liberty of offering to 
the Houfe," 

Mr. Marfhall having handed his Refolutions 
to the Clerk, they were lead, and unanimoufly 
agieed to, as follows, viz. 

Refolved, That this Houfe will wait on the 
Prefident of the United States, in condolence 
of this mournful event. 

Refolved. That the Speaker's chair be fliroud- 
ed with black, and that rhe members and Offi- 
cers of the Houfe wear black during the Ssf- 
fion. 

Refolved, That a Committee, in conjuncftion 
with one from the Senate, be appointed to con- 
fider on the mofl fuitable manner of paying 
honour to the memory of the Man, firfl in war, 
firft in peace, and firfl in the hearts of his 
Countrymen. 

Monday, Dec. 2S. 

Mr, Marfhall made a report from the joint 
Committe appointed to confider a fuitable 
mode of commemorating the death of General 
Wafhington. 

He reported the following Refolutions : 

Refolved by the Senate and Houfe of Repre- 
fentatives of the United States of America, in 
Congrefs afTembled, That a marble monumeitf 



.( 1C6 ) 

be ere^ed by th? United States at the Capitol 
of th^ City of Wkfhlngton, and that the fami- 
ly of General Wafliington be requefted to per- 
mit his body to be depofited under it ; and that 
the monument be fo defigned as to commemo- 
rate the great events of his military and politi- 
cal life. 

And be it further refolved, That there be a 
funeral procefiion from Congrefs Hall, to the 
German Lutheran Church, in memory of Qen, 
George WaOiington, on Thurfday the 26th inft, 
and that an oration be prepared at the requeft 
of Congrefs, to be delivered before both Houfes 
that day ; and that the Prefident of the Senate, 
9ind Speaker of the Houfe of Reprefentatives, 
be defired to requeft one o{ the Members of 
Congrefs to deliver the fame. 

And be it further refolved, That it be recom- 
mended to the people of the United States, to 
wear crape on their left arm as mourning, for 
thirty days. 

And be it further refolved. That the Prefident 
of the United States be requefted to dired a 
copy cf thefe Refolutions to be tranfmitted to 
Mrs. Wafhington, afluring her of the profound 
Tefpe<fl Congrefs will ever bear to her perfon 
^nd chara<5ler, of their condolence on the lace 
Siffeding difpenfation of Providence, and in- 
treating her aiftnt to the interment of the r«St 



( i07 ) 

tiiains of General Wafhlngton in the mannef 
iexpre/ted in the firft refolution. 

And be it further refolved, that the Prefi- 
dent of the iJnited States be requefted to iifue 
his proclamation, notifying to the People thro'- 
out the United States the recommendation 
contained in the third resolution. 

Thefe Reiblutions paffed both Houfes una- 
nimoufly. 

Same day, the Senate fent the following let- 
ter of condolence to the prefident of the United 
States, by a committee of its members : 
To the^ Prefident of the United States. 

THE Senate of the United States refpedtful- 
iy take leave, Sir, to eiprefs to you the deep re- 
gret for the lofs their country fuilairis in the 
death of Genetal George Wafhington. 

This event, fo diftreffing to all our fellow citi- 
iehs mud be peculiarly heavy to you, who haves 
long been afibciated with him in deeds of Patri- 
otifm. Permit us. Sir, to mingle oUr tears with 
yous-^on this occafion it is manly to weepc 
To lofe fuch a nian, at fuch a crifis, is no com- 
mon calamity to aie world — our Country 
mourns her father. The Almighty Difpofer 
of human events has taken from us our greateft 
Benefa<5torand Ornament — It becomes us tofub- 
aiit with reverence to Him, who " maketfe 
datkaef» his pavillion.'* 



C 108 ) 

With patriotic pride, we review the life of our 
Washington, and compare him with thofe of 
other countries, who have been pre-eminent in 
fame. Ancient and modern names are demin- 
iihed before him. Greatnefs and Guilt have too 
often been allied ; but hi? fame is whiter than it 
is brilliant. The deftioyers of nations ftood a- 
bafhed at the majefty of his virtue. — It repro- 
ved the intemperance of their ambition, and dar- 
kened the fplendour of victory. The fcene is 
clofed, and we are no longer anxious left n6if. 
fortune ihould fully his.glory ; he has travelled- 
on to the end of his journey^ and carried with 
him an increafmg weight of honour ; he has de- 
pofited it fafely, v.-here Misfortune cannot tar- 
nifli it — Where Malice cannot blaft it. Favour- 
ed of Heaven, he departed without exhibiting 
the weaknefs of humanity j magnanimous in 
death, the darknefs of the grave could not obfcure' 
his biightnefs. 

Such was the_Mali whom we deplore. — 

Thanks to God, his glory is confummated- — 
Washington yet lives on earth in his fpotiefs 
exanipie — his fpirlt is in Heaven ! 

Let his countrymen conlecrate the memory 
©f the heroic General — the patriotic Statesman 
— and the virtuous Sage ; — let them teach 
their children never to forget, that the fruits of 
his .labouriJ and his example are their inhere- 
tance. 



( 109 ) 

The PR.EsiDENt*s AnsweiS.. 
Gentlemen of the Senate, 

I RECEIVE, with the moft repeAful and affec- 
tomatefentiments,inthis inipreffive Addrefs,the 
obliging expreffions of yotir regret for the lofs 
our country has fuftained, in the death of her 
moft efteenned, beloved, and admired Citizen. 

In the multitude of my thoughts and recol- 
le^ions on this melancholy event, you will per- 
mit me to fay, that I have feen him in the days 
of adverficy, in fome of the fcenes of his deepeft 
diftrefs, and moft trying perplexities ; I have al- 
fo attended him in his higheft elevation, and 
moft profperoiis felicity, with uniform admira- 
tion of his wifdom, moderation, and conftancy. 

Am(3ng all our original afTociates In that me- 
morable League of the continent in l??^, which 
flrft expreffed thefovereign will of a Free Nation 
in America, he was the only one remaining in 
the General Government. Altho', with a con- ' 
ftitution more enfeebled than his, at an age 
when he thought it neceflary to prepare for re- 
tirement, 1 feel myfelf alone — bereaved of my 
laft brother ; yet I derive a ftrong confolation 
from the unanimous difpofition which appears 
in all ages and claffes, to mingle their forrows 
with mine on this common calamity to the 
world. 

The life of our Washington cannst fuffer 
K 



( 110 ) 

by a comparisoH with those of other countnes, 
who have been most celebrated and exalted by 
Fame. The attributes and decorations of Rqy- 
alty could only have served to eclipse the majes- 
ty of those virtues which made him, from being 
a modest Citizen, a more resplendant luminary. 
Misfortune, had he lived, could hereafter have 
sullied his glory only with those superficial 
minds, who, believing " that characters, ^nd ac- 
tions are marked by success alone,'* rarely de- 
serve to enjoy it. Malice could never blast his 
hoDour, and Envy made him a singular excep- 
tion to her universal rule — For himself, he had 
lived enough to Life and Glory — For his fellow- 
citizens, if their prayers could have been answer- 
ed, he would have been immortal — For me, his 
departure is at a most unfortunate moment. 
Trusting, however, in the wise and righteous" 
dominion of Providence over the passions of men, 
and the results of their councils and actions, as 
well as over their lives, nothiiig iiemains for me- 
but humbje resignation. 

His example is now complete, and it will teach 
wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and 
men, not only in the present age, but in future 
generations, as long as our history shall be read= 
— If a Tragen found a Pliny, a Marcus Aurelius^ 
can never want biographers, eulogists, or.histo* 
rians. JOHN ADAMS. 

On monday the Sth of January, the President 
sent the following letters to Congress :— 



( ill ) 

Gsntlemen of the Senate^ and 
Gentleinen of the House of Refiresentatives, 

In compliance with the request in one of thfe 
Resolwtions of Congress of the 2 1 st of December 
last, I transmitted a copy of those Resolutions, by 
my secretary, Mr. Shaw, to Mrs. Washington, 
assuring her of the profound respect Congress 
will ever bear to her person and character — ^of 
their condolence in the late afflicting dipensa- 
tion of Providence, and entreatino; her assent to 
the interrnentofthe remains of General George 
Washington hi the manner expressed in the 
first Resolution. As the sentiments of that vir- 
tuous Jady, not less beloved by this nation, than 
she is at present greatly afflicted, can never be so 
well expressed as in her own words, I transmit 
to Congress her original letter. 

It would be an attempt of too much delicacy to 
make any comments upon it — But there can be 
no doubt, that the Nation at large, as well as all 
the branches of the Government, will be highly 
gratified by any arrangement which may dimin- 
ish the sacrifice she makes of her individual 
feelings. JOHN ADAMS. 

Mrs. Washinton's Answer. 
Sir, Mount Vernon, 31st Dec. 1799. 

While I feel, with keenest anguish, the latfe 
dispensations of Divine Providence, I cannot be 
insensible to the mournful tribute of respect and 
veneration w4iich is paid to the memory of my 
dear deceased husband ; and, as his best services 
and most anxious wishes were alwavs devoted to 



( lie ) 

the welfare and happiness of his country, to know 
that they were truly appreciated, and gratefully 
remembered, affords no inconsiderable consola- 
tion. 

Taught by the great example which I have 
so long had before me, never to oppose my pri- 
vate wishes to the public will, I must consent to 
the request made by Congress, which you have 
had the goodness to transmit to me. And, in 
doing this, I need not, I cannot say, what a sacri= 
fice of individual feeling I make to a sense of 
public duty. 

With grateful acknowledgements, and un- 
feigned thanks, for the personal respect and evi- 
dences of condolence expressed by Congress and 
Yourself, I remain very respectfully. 

MARTHA WASHINGTON. 



THE 

FAREW^ELL ADDRESS 

OF 

George Washington. 

Friends and Fello'iv-Citizens^ 

THE period for a new election of a citizen, 
to administer the execuUve government of the 
United States, being not far distant, and the 
time actually arrived, when your thoughts must 
be employed in designating the person who is to 
bp clothed with that important trust, it appears' 



( 113 ) 

to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a 
more distinct expression of the public voice, that 
I should now appribie yovi of the resolution 1 have 
formed, to decline being- considered among the 
Tiumber of those out of whom a choice is to be 
imade. ' I beg you, at the same time, to do me 
the justice to be assured, that this resolution has 
not been taken, without a ^strict regard to all the 
considerations appertaining to the relation which 
binds a dutiful citizen to his country ; and that, 
in withdrawing lAe tender of ser\ ice which silence 
in my situation might imply, I am influtncedby 
no diminution of zeal for your future interest ; 
no deficicincy of grcvteiui respect, tor your past 
kindness ; but am supported by afuii convicuon 
that thestep is pompcitible with boi h. 

The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto 
in the office to which your suffrages h ive iwice 
called me, have been a uniform sacrifice of inh 
clination to the opinion of duty, ahd to u deft ; ence 
for what appeared to be your desire. 1 coii;Uuit" 
ly hoped, that it would have been much Ccii-jier 
in my power, consistent with motives which 1 was 
not at liberty to disregard, to return to thai re- 
tirement from which I had been reluctantly 
drawn. The strength of my inclination to do 
this, previous to the last election, had even led 
to the preparation cf.au address to declare it to 
you ; but mature reflection on the then perplex- 
ed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign 
nations, and the unanimous advice of persons 
K 2 



( 114 ) 

entitled to my confidence, impelled me to aban- 
don the idea. 

I rejoice that the state of your concerns, ex- 
ternal as weM as internal, no longer renders the 
pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sen- 
timent of duty, or propriety ; and am pursuaded, 
whatever partiality may be retained for my ser- 
vices, that in the present circumstances of our 
country,you willnot disapprove my determination 
to retire. 

The impressions with which I first undertook 
the arduous trust, were explained on the proper 
occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I will 
only say, that I have with good intentions, con- 
tributed towards the organization and administra- 
tion <;f the government, the best exertions of 
which a very fallible judgment was capable. 
Not unconscious, in the outset, of the inferiority 
of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, 
perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has 
strenghtened the motives to diffidence of my- 
self; and, every day the increasing weight of 
years admonisnes me more and more that the 
shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it 
vnW be welcome. Satisfied that if any circum- 
stances have given peculiar value to my services, 
they were temjx)rary, I have the consolation to 
believe, that while choice and prudence invite 
me to quit the political scene, patriotism does 
not forbid it. 

In looking forward to the moment, which is 
intended to terminate the career of my public 



( 115 ) 

life, my feelings do not permit me to s\ispend 
the deep acknowledgement of that <lebt of grati- 
tude M'hich I owe to my beloved country, for 
the many honors it has conferred upon me ; still 
more for the stedfast confidence with which it. 
has supported me ; and for the opportunities I 
have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviola- 
ble attachment, by services faithful and perseve- 
ring, tho in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If 
benefits hare resulted to our country from these 
services, let it always be remembered to your 
praise and as an instructive example in our an- 
nals, that under circumstances in which the pas- 
sions, agitated in every direction, were liable to 
mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubi- 
ous — vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging 
— in situations in which not unfrequently want of 
success has countenanced the spirit of criticism 
— the constancy of your support was the essen- 
tial prop of the efforts, and a ^larantee of the 
plans by which they were effected. 

Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall 
carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incite- 
ment to unceasing vows that Heaven may con- 
tinue to youthe choicest tokens of its beneficence 
—that your union and brotherly affection may be 
perpetual — that the free constitution which is 
the work of your hand.-, may be sacredly 
maintained — that its administration in every de- 
partment may be stamped with wisdpm and vir* 
tue — that, in fine, the happiness of the people of 
these States under the auspices of liberty, may 



( 116 ) ■. 

be noade complete, l)y so careAil a preservatioii 

and so prudent a pse of this blessint^, as wiU ac- 
iquire lo them the glpry of recommending- it to 
t;;Iie appiiiUbe, the -effection and the adoption of 
every nadon ^vhjch is }et a stranger to it. ' 

Here perhaps I ought to stop. " But a solici- 
tude for your welfare, which cannot end but with 
my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural 
to that solicitude,urge me on cji occasion like the 
present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, 
and to ret ommer.d to your frequent review, some 
sentiments, whicharetbe result of much reflec- 
tion, of no inconsiderable observation, and which 
appear to me all important to tlie permanency of 
your felicity as a People. These will be offered, 
to you with the more freedom, as you can only 
see in them the disinterested warnings of a par- 
ting friend, who can possibly have no personal 
inotives to bias his council. IS'or can I forget as 
an encouragem^jt to it, your indulgent reception 
of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar 
occasion. Interwoven as is the love of liberty 
with every ligament of your hearts, no. recom- 
mendation of mine is necessary to fortify or con- 
firm the attachment. 

The unity of government which constitutes you 
one people is also now dear to you. It is justly 
so ; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your 
real independence, tlie support of your tranquili- 
ty ar home, your peace abroad ; cf your safety ; 
of your profperity ; of that very liberty which you fo 
^ighly prize. But as ic is eafy to forefee, that fromdif- 



{ 117 ) 

fcrcnt caufcs and from different quarters, much pains wiii 
be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your 
minds the convidlion of this truth ; as this is the point ih 
your political fortrcfs againft which the batteries of inter- 
nal and external enemies will be moft conftantly and aA- 
ively (though often covertly and infidio-ufly) dire<fted, it 
is of infinite moment, that you ftiould properly cftimate 
the immenfe value of your national Union, to your colU^- 
ive and individual happinefs ; that you fhould cherilh a 
tordial, habitual and immoveable attachment to it ; accuf- 
toming yourfelves to think and fpeak of it as the palladium 
of your political safety and prosperity ; watching 
for its preservation with jealous anxiety ; dis- 
countenancing whatever may suggest even a sus- 
picion that it can in any event be abandoned ; and 
indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of 
every attempt to alienate any portion of our coun- 
try from the rest ; or to enfeelSle the sacred ties 
which now link together the various parts. 

For this you have every inducement of smypa- 
thy and interest. Citizens by birth or choice, of 
a common country, that country has a right to 
concentrate your affections. The name o^jUmeri- 
cariy which belongs to you in your national capaci- 
ty, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism* 
more than any appellation derived from local 
discriminations. With slight shades of difference 
you have the same religion, manners, habits and 
political principles. You have in a common 
cause fought and triumphed together ; the inde- 
pendence and liberty you possess are the work of 
joint councils, and joint efforts, of common dan- 
gel'S, sufferings an4 successes. But these con- 



( 118 ) 

siderations, however powerfully they address 
themselves to your sensibility, are greatly out- 
weighed by those which apply more immediate- 
ly to your interest — Here every portion of our 
country finds the most commanding motives for 
carefully guarding and preserving the Union of 
the whole. 

The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with 
the South,protected by the equal laws of common 
government, finds in the productions of the latter 
great additional resources of maritime and com- 
mercial enterprize and precious materials of man- 
ufacturing industry. The South, in the same 
intercourse, benefiting by the agency of the 
North, sees its agriculture grow and its com- 
merce expand. Turning partly into its own 
channels the seamen of the North, it finds 
its particular navigation invigorated ; and while 
it contributes, in different, ways, to nourish 
and increase the general mass of the national 
navigation, it looks forward to the protection 
of a maritime strength,to which itself is unequally 
adapted. The East, In a like intercourse with 
the West, already finds, and in the progressive 
improvements of interior communications,by land 
and water,wiil more and more find a valu?ble vent 
for the commodities which it brings from abroad or 
manufactures at home. The West derives from* 
the East supplies requisite to its growth and com- 
fort — and what is perhaps of still greater conse- 
quence, it must of necessity owe the secure 



( H9 ) 

enjoyment of indispensable outlets for its owJi 
productions to the weight, influence, and the 
future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of 
the Union, directed l)y an indissoluble communi- 
ty of interest as one nation. Any other tenure 
by which the West can hold this essential advan- 
tage, whether derived from its own separate 
strength, or from an apostate and unnatural con- 
nection with any foreign power, muftbe intrinfi- 
cally precarious. 

While then eveiy part of out country thus 
feels an immediate and paiticular intereft in 
Union, all the parties combined cannot fail to 
find in the united mafs of means and efforts 
greater ftrength, greater refources, proportiona- 
bly greater fecuiity from external danger, alefs 
frequent interruption of their peace by foreign 
nations ; and. what is of ineftimable value f 
they muft derive from Union an exemption from 
thofe broils and wars bet ween themfelves, which 
so frequently afHict neighboring countries, hot 
tied together by the fame government j which 
their own rivalftirps alone would be fufficient ta 
produce, but which oppofite foreign alliances^ 
attachments and intrigues would ftimulate and 
embitter. — H«nc6 likewife they will avoid the 
neceffity of thofe overgrown military eftablifh- 
mcats, which under any form of government, are 
maufpicious to liberty, and which are to be re- 
garded as particularly hoftile to Republican Li- 



( 120 ) 

Ijerty ; in this fenfe it is, that your Union ought 
to be Gonfidered as a main prop of your liberty, 
and that the love of the one ought to endear to 
you the preservation of the other. 

Thefe confiderations fpeak a peifuafive lan- 
guage to every reflating and virtuous mind, 
and exhibit the coiatinuence of the Union as a 
primary object of patriotic defire. Is there a 
doubt, whether a common government can em- 
brace fo large a fphere ? Let ej^perience folve it. 
To liften to mere fpeculation in fuch a cafe were 
criminal. ' We areauthorifed to hope that a pros- 
per organization of the whole, with auxiliary 
agency of goverments for the refpe^ive fubdivi- 
fions, will afford a happy iflue to the experi- 
ment, 'Tis well worth a fair and full experi- 
ment. With fuch powerfiTl and obvious motives 
to Union, affeding all parts of our country, 
while experience (hall not have demonftrated its 
imj?racticability, there will always be reafon to 
diftruft the patriotifm of thofe, who in any quar- 
ter may endeavour to weaken its bands. 

In contemplating the caufe whichmay difturb' 
our Union, it occurs asamatter of ferious concern 
that any ground (hould have been fumifhed for 
charesterising parties hy geographical d\^c\\w\i\^' 

lions—- Tzor/Aernand southern dtlantic ^Ti6.^iVestem 

-r-whence designing men may endeavoui' to e» 
che a belief that there is a real dificrenee of locaJ 



( 121 ) " 

interests and views. One of the expedients of 
party to acquire influence, within particular dis- 
tricts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims 
of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves 
too much against the jealousies and heart bur- 
nings which spring from these misrepresenta- 
tions ; they tend to render alien to each other 
those who ought to be bound together by frater- 
nal affection. The inhabitants of our w^estern 
country have lately had a useful lesson on this 
head : they have seen, in the negociution by the 
Executive, and in the unanimous ratification Ijy 
the Senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in the 
universal satisfaction at that event throughout the 
United States, a decisive proof how unfounded 
were the suspicions propagated among them of 
a policy in the General Government and in the 
Atlantic States, unfriendly to their interests in 
regard to the Misshipfii : they have been witnesses 
to the formation of two treaties, that with Great • 
Britain and that with Spain, which secure to 
them every thing they could desire, in respect 
to our foreign relations, towards confirming their 
prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely 
for the preservation of these advantages on the 
Union by which they Avere procured ? Will 
they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if 
such there are, who would sever them from 
their brethren, and connect them with aliens ? 

To the efficacy and permanency of your Uni 
G>n, a govennnent for the whole is indispenK;ibic 
L 



( 122 ) 

-*-No alliances, however sti ict,between the parts, 
can be an adequate substitute : they must inevi- 
tably experience the infractions and interruptions 
which all alliances in all times have experienced. 
Sensible of this momentous truth, you have im- 
proved upon your first essay, by, the adoption of 
a constitution of government better calculated 
than your former, for an intimate Union, andfoi' 
the efficacious management of your common 
concerns. This government, the offspring of 
our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adop- 
ted upon full invest^igation and mature delibera- 
tion, completely free in its principles, in the 
distribution of its powers, uniting security with 
energy, and containing within itself a provision 
for its own amendment, has a just claim to your 
confidence and your support. Respect for its 
authority, compliance with its laws, acquies- 
cence ia its measures, are duties enjoined by 
the fundamental maxims of true Liberty. The 
feasis of. our political systems is the right of the 
people to make and alter their Constitutions of 
Government— run, the constitution which at any 
time exists till changed by an explicit and authen- 
tic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligato- 
ry upon all. 1 he very idea of the power and 
the right of the people to establish government 
presupposes the duty of eieTf individual to obey 
the established government. 

All obstructions to the execution jof the Laws, 
all combinations and associations, under whatever 
plausible, character, with the real design to di- 



( 123 ) 

rect, control, counteract, or awe the regular 
deliberation and action of the constituted author- 
ities, are destructive of this fundamental prin- 
ciple, and of fatal tendency. They serve to or- 
ganize faction, to give it an artificial and extraor- 
dinary force — to put in -the place of the delega- 
ted- will of the nation, the will of a party, often 
a small but artful and enterprising minority of 
the community ; and, according to the alternate 
triumphs of different parties to make the public 
administration the mirror of the ill-concerted 
and. incongruous projects of factions, rather 
than the organ jf consistent and wholesome plans 
digested by common councils, and modified by 
mutual interests. However combinations or 
associations of the above description may now 
and then answer popular ends,, they are likely in 
the course of time and things to become potent 
engines, by which cunning, ambitious and un- 
principled men will be enabled to subvert the 
power of the people, and to usurp to themselves 
the reins of government ; destroying afterwards 
the very engines which have lifted them to un- 
ust dominion. 

Towards the preservation of your government 
and the permanency of your present happy 
state, -it is requisite, n^t only that you speedily 
discountenance irregular oppositions to its ac- 
knowledged authority, but also that you resist 
with care *he spirit of innovation upon itsprin- 
ciples however specious the pretexts. • One 
jnethod of assault may be to effect in the fornis 



( 124. ) 

of the constitution alterations v/bich will impair 
the energy of the system and thus to undermine 
what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the 
changes to which you niay be invited, remem- 
ber that time and habit are at least as necessary 
.ftp fix the true character of governments, as of 
other human institutions-^that experience is the 
surest standard, by which to test the real tenden- 
cy of the existing constitution of a country — thit 
facility in changes upon the credit or mere hy- 
pothesis and opinion, exposes to perpetual change 
from the endless variety of hypothesis and opin- 
ion : and remember, especially, that for the effi- 
cient mana^ment of your common interests, in 
a country so extensive as ours, a government of 
as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect 
secirrity of liberty, is indispensable. Liberty it- 
seif will fmd in such a government, with powers 
pwperly eiistributed and adjusted, its surest guar- 
dian. It is, indeed, little else than a name 
where the government is too feeble to withstand 
the enterprises of faction, to confine each mem- 
ber of the society within the hmits prescribed 
by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and 
tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and 
property. 

I have already intimated to you, the danger of 
parties in the state, with particular reference to 
the founding of them on geographical discrim- 
inations. Let me now take a more comprehen- 
sive vievY, ^nd warn you in the most solemn man- 



( 125 ) 

ner against the baneful effects of the spirit tsf 
party, generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is 
inseparable froni our nature, having its root ia 
the strongest passions of the human mind. — It 
exists under different shapes in all governments, 
more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed ; but 
in those of the popular form, it is seen in its 
greatest r.inkness, and is truly their worst ene- 
my. The alternate domination of one faction 
over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, 
natural to party dis-.-^ntion, which, in different 
ages and Countries, iIaS perpetrated the most 
horrid enormities, is itielf fi-ightful desooti^m. — - 
But this leads at length to a more formal and per* 
manent despotism. — The disorders and miseries, 
Avhich result, gradually incline the minds of men 
to seek security and repose in the absolute pow- 
er of an individual ; and sooner or later the chief 
of some prevailing faction, more able or m.ore 
fortunate than his competitors, turns this dispo- 
sition to the purposes of his own elevation, on 
the ruins of public Liberty. 

Without looking forward to an extremity of 
this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be 
entirely out of sight) the comnion and continual 
mischiefs of the spi-it of party are sufficient to 
make it the interest and duty of a v/ise people 
to discourage and restrain it. It serves always 
to distract the public councils and enfeeble the 
public administration. It agitates the communi- 
\ with iil-foundsd jealousies and false alarms ; 
L 2 



( 126 ) 

kindles tlie animosiiy of ere part agcsinst anoth- 
er, foi-nents cccasiciially riot and insuiTectiGn. 
It opens the doer to foreign infiiience ard ccrivjp- 
lion, which find a facilitated access to the govern- 
ment itself through the channels cf party pasr- 
sions. Thus the policy ar.d the will of cne coun- 
try are subjected to the policy and wiJl of anoth- 
er. 

There is an opinion that parties in fiee-ccun- 
tries are useful checks upon the arnrJrJstration 
of the government, and seive to keep alive the 
spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is 
probably true ; and in governments of a monar- 
chical cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, 
if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But 
in those of a popular character, in goveirments 
purely elective, it is a spirit not to ke encouraged. 
From their natural tendency, it is certain there 
will always be enough of that spirit lor every 
salutary purpose. And there being ccnsti.nt 
danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force 
of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. 
A fire not to be quenched ; it demands a uniforru 
vigilance to prevent its bursting into a fiiar.e, lest, 
insiead of warminp;, it should consume. 

It is important likewise, that the habits of thinl<- 
ing in a free country, should insjjire caution, in 
those entrusted with its administration, to confine 
themselves within their respective constitutional 
spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers 
ofone department to encroach upon another. 



( 127 ) 

The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate 
the powers of all the departments in one, and 
create, whatever the form of government, a real 
despotism. A just estimate of that love of pow- 
er, and proneness to abuse it, which predomi- 
nates in the huiyan heart is sufficient to satisfy 
us of the truth of this position The necessity 
of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political 
power, by dividing and distributing it into differ- 
ent depositories, and consuauing each the guar- 
''ian of public weai against invasions by the oth- 
ers, has been evinced by experiments ancient 
and modern ; some of them in ©ur coiuitry and 
under our own eyes. To preserve them must 
be as necessary as to institute them. If, in the 
opinion of the people, the distribution or mod- 
ification of the constitutional powers be in any 
particular wrong, let it1)e corrected by an amend- 
ment in the waj- which the constitution desig- 
nates. But let there be no change by usurpation ; 
for tho' this, in one instance, may be the instru- 
ment of good, it is the customary weapon by 
which frcG governments are destroyed. The 
precedent must always greatly overbalance in 
permanent evil any partial or transient benefit 
which the use can at any time yield. 

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to 
political prosperity, religion and moiidiry are in- 
dispensable sup}X)rts, In vain \ M^Idthat man 

claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor 
to subvert these great pillars of hvman happiness, 



( 128 ) 

these firmest props of the duties of men and citi- 
zens. — The mere politician, eqiiaiiy with the pi- 
ous man, ought to respect and to cheii^h them, 
A volume could not trace ail their coiu-icctions 
^vith private and public felicity. Let it sinipiy be 
asked, where is the security, for property, for 
reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obli- 
gation Desert the oaths, Avhich are the instru- 
mewts of investigation in courts of j^'sdce ; and let 
us with caution indulge the supposition, that 
morality can be maintained \^ithcut religion. 
Whatever may be cohceded to the influence of 
refined education on minds of pecuii::ir structure ; 
reason and experience both forbid us to expect 
that national morality can prevail in exclusion of 
religious principle. *Tis substantially true, that 
virtue or morajity is a necessary spring of popular 
government. The rule indeed erJ. end^j v/ith more 
or less force to every species of free government. 
Who that is a sinceie fiiend to it can look with 
idifference upon the attempts to shake the founda- 
tion of the fabrick ? 

Promote then, as an object of primary import- 
ance, institutions, for ihe general diffusion of 
knowledge. — In pjpoportion as the structure of a 
government gives force to a public opinion, it is 
essential tb^t public cpinion should be enlighten- 
ed. As a very important source of strength and 
security, clierish public credit, one method of 
preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible ; 
avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating 
peace ; but rememberingalso that timely disbur- 



( 129 ) 

B&mcnts to prepare for danger, frequently pre- 
vent mucli greater disbursements to repel it ; a- 
voiding likewise the acculamations of debt, not 
only by shunning occasions of expense, but by 
vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge 
the debts which unavoiding wars may have occa- 
sioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity 
the burden which*we ourselves ought to bear. — 
The execution of these maxims belongs to your 
representatives, but it is necessary that public o- 
pinion should co-operate. To facilitate to them 
the performance of their duty, it is essential that 
you should practically bear in mind, that towards 
the payment ofdebts there must be revenue : to 
have revenue there must be taxes : that no taxes 
can be devised which are not more or less inson- 
venient and unpleasant ; that the intrinsic em- 
barassment inseparable from the selection of the 
proper object (which ^s always a choice of diffi- 
culties) ought to be a decisive motive for a candid 
construclTon of the conduct of the government in 
making it, and for a fpirit of acquiescence in the 
measures for obtaining revenue which the public 
exigences may at any time dictate. 

Observe good faith and juctice towards all 
naions ; cultivate peace and harmony with all ; 
religion and morality enjoin this conduct ; and 
can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin 
it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, 
at no distant period, a great nation, to give to 
mankind the niragnanimous and too novel exam- 
fb '^^ ■ ' ' ^='^^^- ■ ■ "• i 

f George WashiDgtou wrote the foilowicg letter soin 
af'er the Coni,timtion was toade, and addresaed it to 

I tte "GtLeral Commiftes of the United Btpt'.afc 
* Cburcte-- inVjrgu.iiaf' 

Oenti-emen : If I co'>i.ld«2L»r ""****" *■"'""'' *^-^ 
sl'ghtest apjjieljC-n&ioD tb.jit thft OorisHlfitioa iraui«a 
by the Convtritjoii here I >jad the honor to pj-eVi'e 
ttiif^bt p-iPS'b-y endaiiger the rdigioun rights of any 
ecc'esiafticat ecciety, certahjjy I would mvir have 
fJnad my (.ignaivreto it ; and n I could not conceive 
tba* the Geaerbl Goverrme*nt might even be eo a,i- 
noDifrteretl as to reccer the liberty of conecieace ia- 
ef cure, I bf g you Tvi)l be persuaded that uooaa wo\iid 
he Kore zealous tcan roy^elf to esxablish eflfrctuil 
bfiniers sgsiEet the horrors of spiritual tjirajiny and 
every fptci's of rcliginua pfr.ecu'i'-n. For you 
(.'onhtleps rfmerobfr I hive often expytssed my sea- 
liTetts that fpy man condueti-?^ himself »,d a good 
Vpinzfn, ard heij-sr accountable tj God aloae for his 
Vtligious rpii'.iots, ought to be protected in worsbip- 
■;£: the Deity according to the dictates of hia own 
V)U6ci«nce. 



( 130 ) 

pie of a people always guided by an exalted 
justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that 
in the course of time and things, the fruits of 
such a plan would richly repay any temporary 
advantages which might be lost by a steaayad" 
lierence to it ? Can it be, that Providence has not 
connected the permanent felicity of a nation witjj 
its virtue ? The experiment, at least, is recom-"* 
mended by every sentiment which ennobles huf 
man nature. Alas ! is it rendered impossibly by 
its vices? '; 

In the execution of such a plan, nothing is 
more essential than that permanent inveterate 
antipathies against particular nations, and passim 
onate attachments forotheis should be excluded, 
and that in place of them just and amicable feel* 
ings towards all should be cultivated. The 
nation, which indulges towards another an hab^ 
itual iiatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some 
degree a slave. !t is a slave to its animosity or 
to its affection, either of which is sufficient to 
lead it astray from its duty and its interest. An^ 
tipathy in one nation against another disposs 
each more readily to ofier insult and injury, to 
lay hold of slight cau-ses of umbrage, and to be 
haughty and intractable, when accidental or tri- 
flingoccasions of dispute occur. Hence frequent 
collisions, obstinate envenomed and bloody con-^ 
tests. The nation prompted by ill will and resentr. 
ment, sometimes impels to war the government, 
contrary to the be§t calculations of policy. The 
government sometimes participates \y\ the nation-? 



/ 



( 1^1 ) 

al propensity, and adopts through passion what rea-- 
son would reject; at other limes, it makes the 
animosity of the nation subservient to projects of 
hostility instigated by pride, ambition and other 
sinister and pernicious motives. The peace of- 
ten, sometimes perhaps the liberty of nations has 
been the victim. 

So likewise a passionate attachment of one na- 
tion for another produces a variety of evils,- 

Sympathy for the favourite nation, facilitating the 
iliusion of an imaginary common interest, in ca- 
ses where no real common interest exists, and 
infusing into one the enmities of the other, be- 
trays the former into a participation in the quar- 
rels and wars of the latter, without adequate in- 
ducement or justification. It leads also to con- 
cessions to the favourite nation of privileges 
denied to others which is apt doubly to injure the 
nation making the concessions ; by unnecessarily 
parting with what ought to have been retained ; 
and by exciting jealousy, ill will, and a disposi*- 
tlon to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal 
privileges are withheld ; Audit gives to ambi- 
tious: corrupted, or deluded citizens (\vho devote 
themselves to the favorite ni\tion) facility to be- 
tray, or sacriiice the interests of their country, 
without odium, sometimes even with popularity ; 
gilding with the appearance of a virtuous sense of 
obligation, a commendable deference for public 
opinion, or a laudible zeal for public good, the 
base or foolish compliances of ambilioh, currup- 
tion or infatuation. 



( 132 ) 

As avenues to foreign influence in innumera- 
ble ways, such attachments are particularly alarm' 
ing to the truly enlightened and independent pat- 
riot. How many opportunities do they afford to 
tamper with domestic factions, to practice the 
arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to 
influence or awe the public councils ! Such an 
attachment of small or weak, towards a great 
and powerful nation, dooms the former to he the 
satellite of'the latter. Against the insiduous 
wiles of foreign influence, (1 conjure you to be- 
lieve me, fellow citizens) the jealousy of a frcw. 
people ought to be cokstantly awake; since his- 
tory and experience prove that foreign infii:ence 
is one of the most baneful foes of republican 
government. But that jealousy, to be usefL 
must be impartial : else it becomes the'instru- 
ment of the very influence to be avoided, instead 
of a defence against it. — Excessive partiality for 
one foreign nation, and excessive dislike of an- 
other, cause those whom they actuate, to see 
danger only on one side and serve to veil and 
even second the arts of influence on the other. 
Heal patriots, who may resist the intrigues of 
the favorite, are liable to become suspected and- 
odious; while its tools and dupes usurp the ap- 
plause and confidence c^'the people, to surren- 
der their interests. The great rule of conduct 
for us, in rei^ard to foreign nations, is, in exten- 
ding our commercial relations, to have with them 
as little POLITICAL connection as possible. So 
far as we i^iave already formed engagements, let 



( 133 J 

iem be fufilled with perfect good faith Ilers 

t us stop. 

Europe has a set of primary interests, which 
o us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence 
-he must be engaged in frequent controversies,- 
Xtic causes of which are essentially foreign to 
our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be 
unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial 
ties, in tke ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, 
or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her 
^'iendships, er enmities. Our detached and 
ol'stant situation invites and enables us to pursile 
a different course. If we remain one people^ 
^atider an efficient government, the period is not 
hv oif, when we may defy linaterial injury from 
External annoyance ; when we may take such an 
attitude as will cause the neutrality, we may at 
any time resolve upon, to be scrupulously res- 
pected ; when belligerent nations, under the im- 
possibility of making acquisitions upon us, will 
not lightly hazard the giving us provocation ; 
when we may choose peace or war, as our inter- 
est, guided by justice, shall counsel. 

Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a 
situation ? Why quit our own to stand upon for- 
eign ground ? Why, by interweaving our desti- 
ny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our 
peace and prosperity in the toils of European 
ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or capiice ? 
*Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent 
alliances, with any portion of the foreign world ; 
M 



( i3i ) 

oo far, I mean a^ we are now at liberty to do it ; 
for let me not be understood as capable of pat- 
ronising infidelity to existing engagements. I 
hold the maxim lio less applicable to public than 
to private affairs, tbat hbnesty is always the best 
polJQ)'. I repeat it, therefore, let those engage- 
ments be observed in their genuine sense. But^ 
in my opinion, it is unnecessary, and would be 
imwise, to extend them. Taking care always to 
keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, on a 
respectable defensive posture, we may safely 
trust to temporary alliances fol' extraordinary 
emergencies. 

Harmony, liberal intercourfe with all nations, 
are lecommended by policy, humanity, and 
intereft. But even our commercial policy fhoulcl 
hold an eqilal and impartial hand i neither feek- 
ing nor granting exclufive favors or preferen- 
ces ; confulting the natural courfe of things 5 
diffufing and diverfif^'ing by gentle means the 
fir earns of commerce, but forcing nothing ; 
eftablilhing, with powers fa difpofed, in order 
to give trade a ftable courfe, to define the rights 
of our merchants, and to enable the government 
to fupport them, conventional rules of inter- 
courfe, the bed that prefent cifcumftances and 
mutual opinion will permit, btit temporary, and 
liable to be from time to time abandoned or va- 
tied, as experience and circumftances fliall dic- 
tate ; conftantly keeping in view, that 'tis folly 
in one nation to look for difmterefted favors from' 



f 135 ) 

another ; that it mufl; pay with a portion of iti, 
jncJ^pendence for whatever it may accept uftder 
that character ; that hy fuch acceptance, it may- 
place itfelf in the condition of having given 
equivalents for nominal favors, and yet of be- 
ing reproached with ingratitude for not giving 
more. There can be i;o greater error than to 
expect, or calculate upon real favors from na- 
tion to nation. 'Tis an illusion which experi- 
ence muft cure, which a juft pride ought to 
difcard. 

In offering to you, my countrymen, these coun- 
sels of an old affectionate friend, I dare'^not 
hope they will make the strong and lasting ira^ 
pression I could wish : that they will controui the 
usual current of the passions, or prevent oui» na- 
tion from running the course which has hitherto 
Tnarked the destiny of nations : But, if I may even 
flatter myself, that they may be productive of 
some partitil beneRt, sonie occasional good ; that 
they may nov/ and then recur to moderate the fury 
of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of 
foreign intrigues, and guard against the impos- 
tures of pretended patriotism ; this hope will be a 
fi.Ul recompence for the sonpitude for your wel- 
fare, by which they have been dictated. How far 
in the discharge of my official duties, I hav,. been 
guided by the principles which have been delin- 
eated, the pubHc records and other evidences of 
my conduct must witness to you and to the; 
ir^prld. To myself, the assurance of my p\y^ 



( is$ ) 

conscience is, that I have at least believod myself 
to be guided by thefn. 

In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, 
my proclamation of the '2 2d of April, 1793, is the 
index to my^kn. Sanctioned by your approving 
voice and by that of your representatives in both 
houses of congress, the spirit of that measure has 
continually governed me ; uninfluenced by any at- 
tempt to deter or divert me from it. After delibe- 
rate examination, with the aid of the best lights I- 
could obtain, I was well satisfied that our countryj 
■under all the circumstances of the case, had a 
right to take, and was bound in du^ and interest, 
to take a neutral position. Having taken it, I de^ 
termined, as far as should depend upon me, to 
maintain it, with moderation, perseverance and 
firmness. 

The consideration which respects the right to 
;hold the conduct, it is not necessary on this occa^ 
sion to detail. I will only observe, that accord- 
ing to my understanding of the matter, that right, 
so far from being denied by any of the belligerent 
powers, has been virtually admitted by all. The 
duty of holding a neutral conduct may be infers 
red, without any thing more, from the obligations 
which justice and humanity impose upon every 
natiouyin cases in which it is free to act, to main- 
tain ir^'iolate the relations of peace and amity to^ 
wards other nations. The inducements of inter- 
.est for observing that conduct will best be refer- 
^d tp ypi^r own reflections and experience. With, 



( 137 ) 

me, a predominant motive has been to endeavor 
to gain time to our country to settle and mature 
its yet recent institutions, and to progress with- 
out interruption, to that degree of strength and 
consistency, which is necessary to give it, human- 
ly speaking, the command of its own fortunes. 

Tho* in reviewing the, incidents of my adminis- 
tration, I am unconscious of intentional error : I 
am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to 
think it propable that I may have committed ma- 
ny errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently 
beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the 
evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry 
with me the hope that my country will never 
cease to view them with indulgence ; and that 
after forty-five years of ray life dedicated to its 
service, with an upright zeal, the faults of incom- 
petent abilities -will be consigned to oblivion, as 
niyself must soon be to the mansions of rest. 
Relying on its kindness m this as in the other 
things, and actuated by that fervent love towards 
it, which is so natural to a man, who views in it 
the native soil of himself and his progenitors for 
several generations ; I anticipate with pleasing 
expectation that retreat, in which I promise my- 
self to realize, without alloy the sweet enjoyment 
of partaking, in the midst of my fellow citizens, 
the benign influence of good laws under a free 
government — the ever favourite object of my 
heart, and the happy reward, as Itrust, of ourmu- 
tual cares, labors and dimgers. 
M 2 G. WASHINGTON. 



( 138 ) 

y^R JV'IIJAM WJLLACE's BOJi;.. 

PhUaddhhia^ 4 th Jan, ] 7 9 2. 
_'n Friday last was presented to the President 
:he United Stales, Geort,'e Washington; a iiox 
_k:^-antly movinted with silver, and made of the . 
Celebrated oak tree that sheUercd the patriotic 
Sir William Wai.lack of Scotland, after th( 
unfortunate battle of Falkirk about the year 1300 
This very curious and characteristical present ih;. 
from the Earl of Buchan. by the hancl of .\h- 
Archibald Robertson, a Scotch gentletnan, anl 
a portrait painter, who arrived in America some 
•months ago. The Bp-x was presented to Lord 
Buchan by the Goldsmiths Company of J:^din-- 
bu- j-Hi ; from whom his Lordship'reqviested, and 
obtained leave, to ?.Tiakp it over to the Man whom 
he deemed more deserving of it than himself, 
and George Washington wo.-? t/)e man. 

We fu.niitr learn, that, Lord Buchan, fcas* 
requested of the President, that, on the event of 
Ills decease he will consign the Box to that Mtini 
in this Cou7/^ry, who shall appear, in hisjuc 
ment, to merit it best, upon the same conside 
tions that induced him to send it to America. 

Upon the Box, which is curiously wrought, 
is a silver plate with the folloV\'Jng inscriptitjn : 
?' Presented by the Goldsmiths of Edinburgh lo D'l 
vid Srekt^art Erskine^ Earl of Buchan,, with 
Freedom of their Corporation^ by their Deacch 
jLD, 1791." 



( 139 ) 

Copy of c^e Letter from LordBucHAN to GcR. 
Washington, accompanying the Box, 

Dryburgh Jbbey^June 28, 17t)l. 
" Sir, 
" I had the honour to receive your Excellen- 
cy's letter relating to the advertisement of Dr. 
Anderson's periodical publication in the Gazette 
of the Uuited States ; which attention to my 
recommendation I feel very sensibly, and return 
you my grateful acknowledgments. 

" In the '2 1st No. of that literary Miscellany, 
1 inserted a monitory paper respecting America, 
which I flatter myself, may, if attended to on 
the other side of the Atlantic, be productive of 
good consequences. 

" To use your own emphatic words, " May 
that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe 
— who presides i\\ the Councik of Nations — and 
whose providential aid can supply every human 
defect, consecrate to the Liberties and ilappiness 
of the American people, a government iiistitu- 
ted by themselves for public and private security, 
upon the basis of Law and ^qual administration 
of Justice, preserving tp every individual as much 
civil and political freedom as is consistent with 
the safety of the Nation."— And may he be 
pleased to continue your life and strength as long 
as you can be in any way useful to your Country i 
" I have entrusted this sheet inclosed in a Box, 
made of the Oak that sheltered our Great Sir 
William Wallace, after the battle of Falkirk, to. 



( 1*0 ) 

Mr. Robertson, of Aberdeen, a Paii.'Tcr, wit4i 
the hope of his having the honour of delivering 
it into your iiand ; recommending him as an 
able Artist, seeking for fortune and fame in the 
New World. This box was presented to meby 
the Gt>ldsmith*s Company at Edinburgh, of 
whom, feelinpjmy own unworthiness, to receive 
this magnificently significant present, I request- 
ed and obtained leave to make it over to the man 
in the world to whom Ithought it most justly due. 
Into your hands I commit it, requesting of you 
to pass it, on the event of your decease, to the 
Man in your own country who shall appear to 
your judgement to merit it best, upon the same 
considerations that have induced me to send it t» 
your Excellency. 

" I am. Sir, with the highest esteem, 

Your Excellency's most obedient, 

And obliged humble servant, 

BUCHAN. 
" P. S.-~I beg your Excellency will have the 
goodness to send me your PortiJiit, that I may 
place it among those I most honour, and I would 
wish it from the pencil of Mr. Robertson. I beg 
leave to recommend him to your countenance, 
as he has been mentioned to me favourably by 
my worthy friend, Professor Ogilvie, of King's 
College, Aberdeen.'* 



( 1" ) 

Gen. Washingnon's Answer. 

Philadelphia, \H May, I79f. 
My Lord, 

" I (hould have had the honor of acknowledg- 
lag fooner that receipt of your letter of the 28th 
of June laft, had I not concluded to defer doing 
it till I could announce to you the tranfmiflion 
of my portrait, which hasjuft been finifhed by 
Mr. Robertfon (of New- York) who has alfo un- 
dertaken to forward it. The manner of the exe- 
cution of it does no difcredit, I am told, to 
the artift, of whofe fkill favourable mention 
has been made to me. i was further induced 
to entruft the execution of it to Mr. Rjbertfon, 
from his having informed me that he had drawn 
others for your Lordlhip, and knew the fuse 
which beft fuited your coUedion. 

" I accept with fenfibility and with fatisfac- 
•tion, the iigniiicant prefent of the box which ac- 
companied your Lordfhips letter. 

** In yielding the tribute due from every lo- 
ver of mankind to the patriotic and heroic virtues 
of which it is commemorative, I estimate, as I 
ought, the additional value which it deri^'es from 
the hand that sent it, and my obligations for the 
sentiments that induced the. transfer. 

" I will, however, ask that you will exempt 
me from the compliance with the request relating 
tp its eventual destmation. 



( 1*2 ) 

f Jn an attempt to execute your wish in this 
partiicular, I should feel embarrasment from a 
just comparison of relative pretentations, and fear" 
to risk injustice by so marj^ed a preference. 

^/ With sentiments of the truest esteem ancj 
consideration, I remain your Lordship' jj 
most obedient servant, 
EarlofBiichan. ' ' G. WASHINGTON. 

ExTRACTyro7;z Cen. Washington's Will. 

Item— 'To Xh^ Earl ofBuchanI re-commit 
^' the Box rnade of the Oak that sheltered the 
brave Sir William Wallace after thebattle of Fal- 
kirk,* presented to me by his Lordship in terms 
too 'flattering for me to repeat, with a request 
" to pass u on the evpnt of my decease, to the man 
iiT my country who appeared to merit it best, up- 
oti the same conditions that have induced him to 
send it to me.— Whether easy or not, to select 
the ^/Ian v/ho might comport with his Lordship's 
opinion in this respect, is not for me to say : but 
conceiving that no disposition of this valuaWe cu- 
riosity can be more eligible than^he re-commit- 
ment of it to' liis own cabinet, agreeably to the 
O'iginal design of the Goldsmiths' Company of 
Edingb'.u'gh, who presented it to him, and, at 
his request- consented that it should be transfer- 
red to me— I do give and bequeath the same to 
his Lordship ; and incase of his decease to his 
heir, v.'ith my grateful thanks for the distinguish- 
ed honour of presenting it to me, and more es- 
pecially for the favourable sentiments with which 
>?f^ accompanied it. 



( i^3 5 

CHARACTER OF WASHINGTON 

(By a Scotch Traveller.) 
In no one thing has the world been so much 
deceived, as in the article of what is commonly 
tailed Great Men. Most of them, upon a near- 
er, and closer inspection, have been found to be 
either great hypocrites, or great robbers ! — Not 
so the man whose character is now attempted to 
be delineated.— -Whether iin public or in private, 
he was still the same ; and in that humble, but 
useful and honourable employment, a Farmer, 
he pointed the way to Fortune, as, in his public 
capachies, he had pointed the way to Fame ; e- 
minently proving, in his own person, the differ- 
ence between system of method and oeconenly, 
and a course of idleness and dissipation. 

By his regular and economical conduct, Mr. 
Washington became one of the extensive and 
opulent Farmers on the continent. He had a- 
bout '10,000 acres of land attached to his seat of 
Mount Vernon^ where he combined theory with 
practice, and. by successive improvements, ren- 
dered his grounds highly productive. Inclu- 
ding his household servants, and those who work- 
ed upon the farm, he daily maintained about one 
thousand persons, all of whom moved and acted 
aiccording to the rules of a strict, but beriificerit 
system. Like a well-regulated clock, the whole 
machine moved in perfect time and order — The 
effects were, that he was completely indepen- 
dant, and tlied possessed of a great property. — 
It does not appear that Mr. Washington's educa- 



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